This post is Day 25 in a series of studies about “Work/Works”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Work/Works – Day 25

If we consider our verse for today, from Proverbs 18, the writer is saying that those who do not work well are just as bad as destructive people. None of us want to be known as destructive. But rather those who are constructive, positive and able to build others up.

Proverbs 18:9

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

The Thought

Proverbs is such an interesting book to read, but not always easy because the writer jumps about from subject to subject. It is easier to read those verses which stand alone.

In other proverbs we can read much about the effects of laziness. But this one is not talking about being sluggish or lazy, it is talking about the quality of work. This worker is one who takes no pride in what he is doing. It’s a job, and he gets paid. But he does not particularly enjoy what he does. Too many people are like that today, and their lack of pleasure in what they do results in them not doing it well.

What a blessing it is to enjoy the work we find ourselves doing. Paul encouraged both slaves and masters in Ephesians 6. And to the servants he said Obey your masters… doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving The Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether slave or free.

If we consider our verse for today, the writer is saying that those who don’t work well are just as bad as destructive people. None of us want to be known as destructive. But rather those who are constructive, positive and able to build others up.

Action

Think today about each task that you do, and whether it pleases you or not. Do you find you spend more time and care over the things you like doing? (Most of us do!)

Think, not so much about work that you enjoy, but more about the menial tasks that are outside your chosen career, or the regular work you do.

Pray for the Lord’s presence in each thing you do. Take Paul’s words seriously … as if you were serving The Lord.

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