Pr. 10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.
This verse encapsulates a key teaching about success in the physical world – striking while the iron is hot without expecting God to do all the heavy lifting for you.
One of the weak teachings in modern religion is this idea that God will solve all your problems. That He will do everything for you. Or that He won’t expect you to do any of the work.
This is nonsense. The Bible teaches over and over again that man is responsible for his own life. While God will certainly help us and be our ally, we are still expected to pull our own weight.
This verse shows that God is not going to provide for the lazy son who sleeps through his opportunity.
There are key moments of opportunity in our lives. They come again and again. But if we sleep through them, God will allow us to suffer the consequences of those actions.
Life presents us with seasons of opportunity, moments when doors open and possibilities abound.
It could be a career advancement, a chance to pursue a passion, or an opportunity for personal growth. Being vigilant and aware of these moments is crucial.
The verse emphasizes the value of hard work and diligence. Success rarely comes to those who wait idly. It requires effort, perseverance, and a willingness to put in the work, especially during seasons of abundance and opportunity.
Strike while the iron is hot.
Attack your opportunities when they present themselves. Work to develop a good attitude about the opportunity. Don’t despise the gifts you were given.
While diligence and hard work are essential, it’s important to maintain a dualistic perspective.
Acknowledging our responsibility does not negate the role of divine assistance. Faith complements action, guiding us as we navigate challenges and pursue our goals.
The verse also highlights the principle of reaping what we sow.
Our actions have consequences, and ignoring opportunities can lead to missed blessings or undesirable outcomes. Learning from our mistakes and making course corrections is part of growth.
Gather in the summer.
Conduct yourselves like men.
