Esther 1-2, Revelation 2:18-29, Revelation 3:1-6, Proverbs 24:23-34
Proverbs 24:33-34 (ESV)
“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the
hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an
armed man.”
In Proverbs 24:33–34, Solomon warns believers about the
consequences of rationalizing laziness and complacency. When a believer makes
small compromises in behavior—what Solomon refers to as “a little sleep, a
little slumber”—those choices eventually lead to negative consequences. Through
neglect, a lazy believer experiences poverty, which can arrive suddenly and
unexpectedly, like a robber. This poverty brings a life of need and want, not
as an accident, but as the result of persistent neglect.
These verses remind believers that God the Father calls us
to be good stewards of everything He entrusts to us, including our time,
skills, and finances. Faithful stewardship helps prevent lack and need in a
believer’s life. However, these verses also apply to our spiritual lives.
Spiritual laziness and complacency lead to weakened faith and a shallow
relationship with the Lord. I have experienced firsthand the consequences of
making small compromises in my spiritual disciplines. When I skip my morning Bible
reading and study, I notice that I think less about the Lord and His love for
me. When I fail to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit—or ignore His prompting
because it doesn’t make sense from a natural perspective—my decisions often
make life more difficult. Remaining vigilant in my spiritual disciplines brings
me satisfaction and joy, because I know I am aligned with Father-God’s will for
my life. I feel blessed, and I experience the Lord’s favor daily.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel compelled to
place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who fills your life with blessing and
favor—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him through
the following prayer and express your trust in Him. Share your desire to walk
with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is faithful and ready to
meet you wherever you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for
all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart
that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is
my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of
salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made
new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of
Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit-filled, full-Gospel,
Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s
love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.