Essay Question #3: Describe the teachings of Hebrew wisdom on diligence and laziness. How does this correspond with the contrast between wisdom and folly? Include Scripture references and quotations as appropriate.

I. A Summary of what Hebrew Wisdom Teaches about Diligence and Laziness. The dictionary defines diligence as “careful and persistent work or effort” and laziness as “the quality of being unwilling to work or use energy”. By these definitions we can see that diligence and laziness are the exact opposite of each other. “The eagerly sought after trait of diligence is often addressed within the book of Proverbs. Laziness – diligence’s lethargic antonym – is likewise frequently mentioned due to the severity of its consequences. Solomon illustrated both diligence and laziness in a unique way that emphasized key concepts such as personal discipline, integrity, and wisdom.” (Heart of the Wolph, 2014) Throughout all the proverbs we learn that lazy behavior results in poverty, while diligence results in wealth(Hindson, Yates 2012). In other words, diligence is rewarded, laziness is punished. We get this idea reiterated over and over again throughout the Bible. In Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty”. And again in Proverbs 10:4 “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” I could go on, but I think we get the idea. When it comes down to it, the wise embraced diligence like Solomon and the many decisions he had to make. But the wise also fear laziness and push it as far away as possible, so that it will not become their downfall. I personally (and I think a lot of us can attest to this) suffered from a lot of laziness in my life, but I strive to be more wise every day. I learn from my mistakes and try to be better because of them. I'm still working on getting all the laziness out of my life, but I hope to continue to learn from Solomon. II. An Explanation of How Diligence and Laziness Corresponds and Contrasts with Wisdom and Folly. The dictionary defines wisdom as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise” and folly as the lack of good sense; foolishness. In these definitions we can see that diligence could be a synonym for wisdom and laziness could be a synonym for folly. You can't have one without the other. In reading Proverbs 10–22 it can create ethical reflection not only because they are designed to do so, but also because they are so different from the proverbs we are used to. Chapters 1-9 set chapters 10–22 in the context of building our life according to God's wisdom(Clifford, 2009). Most of this was written by Solomon, for example, in Proverbs 10:1 it says, “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son, heartache to his mother”. And in verse seven it says, “The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot”. “The lines are not in opposition to each other. Both express the idea that lifestyle choices have consequences, but they express that idea by using contrasting terms and opposite perspectives. This type of parallelism is especially prominent in Proverbs because the contrast between the ways of wisdom and folly were developed in that book” (Hindson, Yates 2012). In someone’s life, it takes a great amount of wisdom and diligence to become successful. Therefore, those who are lazy and foolish will have little chance of climbing to the top. Subsequently, one cannot help but wonder what the difference between diligence and laziness is, as well as between wisdom and folly, and the book of Proverbs is one that offers an explanation. In Proverbs 6:6-11 it says, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man”. When we think about wise people in the Bible, we think about Solomon. Solomon’s wisdom exceeded that of everyone before him. The book of Proverbs is an amazing account of his wisdom. Its purpose is clear: "For attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young" (Proverbs 1:2-4). But in this diligence goes hand-in-hand. I believe that a truly wise man knows how to act with diligence. We see this time and time again with Solomon. An example can be found in 1 Kings:3 when the two women are fighting over a baby that they both claim to be their son. Solomon ordered the baby cut in half and immediately the real mother revealed herself by giving up the baby in order to spare the baby’s life. In that situation, Solomon knew exactly what to do and he acted with diligence and wisdom. III. Conclusion In the end, we all need more diligence and wisdom in our lives. We can learn so much from the Bible, especially from Proverbs. But even in the New Testament we can find references to how important hard work and wisdom are. In 2Timothy 2:15 it says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” In some translations, they use the word diligence in place of “do your best”. Isn’t that what it all boils down to? God wants us to “work hard” and “do our best” and the result of that will be His blessings poured out in our lives. One of the first things we can start with is something I do everyday and that is to pray for wisdom like Solomon. The second thing we can do is to learn from our mistakes, so that we can become more wise. Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed, not once. I’ve discovered ten thousand ways that don’t work.” We can take our failures and stumbling and turn them into knowledge and wisdom for the future. Learning from our mistakes is one of the wisest things we can do. It is said that, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Furthermore, if we approach every situation with diligence and wisdom, we won’t find ourselves victims of laziness and folly. It may be easier said than done, but “If we seek God first and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto us”(Matthew 6:33).

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Citation ”Hebrew Proverbs: An Analysis of Diligence and Laziness." Heart of the Wolph. N.p., 2014. Web. 26 June 2016. Clifford, Richard J. "Reading Proverbs 10–22." Interpretation 63.3 (2009): 242-253. Hindson, Edward E., and Gary E. Yates. The Essence of the Old Testament: A Survey. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic, 2012. Print.