Pick a Name

(Proverbs 26:15 KJV)  The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

Which would you rather be called?  Would you prefer the KJV, “slothful” (6102) or the NASB “sluggard”?  Some modern translations add “lazy”.  The one I find the most clear is “hater of work”.  Do you have a preference? 

Actually it doesn’t make much difference.  The indolent social parasite is in direct conflict with the Biblical approach to hard work and personal responsibility.  We have two extremes in our modern culture that give God a bad taste in His mouth, the idle rich and the idle welfare recipient. 

So?  While it is true that we cannot earn our salvation it is just as true that the spiritual sluggard won’t even get the gift.  To quote a few lines,

(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(Philippians 2:12 KJV)  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

These reflect cheerful givers on a daily basis.