The Sluggard

Proverbs 13:4

The word sluggard is found 6 times in the book of Proverbs. One of those is found in the verse for this lesson. In this lesson we define the word sluggard and look at this word throughout Proverbs to learn the characteristics of a sluggard and how see instruction on what we can do if we discover that we are a sluggard.

What is a sluggard?

Sluggard – A person that is habitually lazy, idle, and inactive.

In the definition I think it is important to note the word “habitually”. A sluggard is not something you become overnight. It is a process of being lazy, idle, and inactive over a period of time. We all need rest and it is fun to have a lazy day every now and again, but the problem becomes when we start to make a habit of laziness.

Characteristics of a Sluggard:

 1)  He dreams and never accomplishes anything (Proverbs 13:4)

• The verse says that a sluggard desires but has nothing. Many people have dreams and goals but never accomplish them or even get close. I do know that life can get in the way but I also wonder how many times laziness get in the way as well.

2)  He always has an excuse (Proverbs 20:4)

• In the verse the sluggard does not plow because it is too cold. The end result is he waits to long and misses the window for plowing which leads to no harvest.
• We can always find an excuse for being lazy or why we cannot do something (Proverbs 26:13), and in the end we will end up just like the sluggard.

3)  He cannot be reasoned with (Proverbs 26:16)

• No matter how many people give a sluggard good counsel or reason as the verse says, he will not listen because he is wiser in his own conceit.
• This is one of the dangers of habitual laziness, it leads to self-conceit. Once you become a sluggard you may be so deceived that you cannot even see the value in good counsel.

The Solution for a Sluggard:

 In Proverbs 6:6-11 the sluggard is told to go to the ant. The ant prepares his meat in the summer with no guide, overseer, or ruler. Eventually we must learn to work and provide without someone looking over us. The earlier in life we learn this the better off we will be.

The Sluggard : Handout

Proverbs 13:4

1)  What is the definition of a sluggard?

2)  What word from the definition of a sluggard should be pay special attention to and why?

3)  What are the characteristics of a sluggard?

4)  What is the cure for a sluggard?