An interesting Turkish proverb says, “The devil tempts everyone, but a lazy man tempts the devil”. This is close to the popular adage that says an idle man is the devil’s workshop. All through the Book of Proverbs, diligence is portrayed as wisdom while idleness is considered as folly. We are not left in doubt of what characterizes a lazy person. He is full of abandoned projects. Proverbs 12:27 says, “The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting…” He is a half-measure man. Next, a lazy man has outrageous desires to his detriment. “The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor.” (Proverbs
“Those who want to see glorious things in life must be diligent.”
It is important to note that a lazy person cannot see the glory of God. Though God’s plan for everyone is glorious, without diligence no one can attain it. No matter how good a pattern is, unless it is turned into action it will only gather dust on the shelf and never become anything glorious. After securing the pattern, you must roll up your sleeves and get to work. Haggai asked the people to go to the mountain, cut wood and build the house of God. That would require some effort. Until the house is built there would be nothing for God to fill with His glory. The same is applicable to our lives. Those who want to see glorious things in life must be diligent.