In what ways can self-control be cultivated to prevent "drowsiness" and "poverty"? The straight talk of Proverbs 23:21 “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.” (Proverbs 23:21) Why drowsiness leads to poverty • Unchecked appetites (food, drink, entertainment) steal hours meant for work and service. • Excessive sleep blunts alertness, initiative, and creativity. • Resources flow toward indulgence instead of investment, draining savings and opportunity (Proverbs 21:17). • A cycle begins: the more we yield to sluggishness, the harder diligence feels (Proverbs 24:30-34). Self-control: Spirit-given and cultivated “But the fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) The Spirit supplies the ability; our role is to cooperate, train, and steward that gift. Practical ways to train self-control and push back drowsiness • Set God-honoring boundaries – Decide beforehand how much food, screen time, or leisure is acceptable (Proverbs 25:16). – Keep tempting excesses out of easy reach (Matthew 5:29-30 principle of radical removal). • Anchor each day early – Rise promptly; dedicate first moments to the Lord (Mark 1:35). – A fixed wake-up time regulates bedtime and reduces late-night drift. • Schedule diligent work windows – Block hours for labor, study, and household tasks (Proverbs 6:6-8). – Tackle hardest duties while freshest (Ecclesiastes 9:10). • Practice purposeful rest, not aimless lounging – Genuine rest restores; idleness erodes (Exodus 20:9-10; Proverbs 19:15). – Choose activities that refresh spirit and body—walks, worship, conversation—rather than passive scrolling. • Control intake – Moderate food and drink: “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat” (Proverbs 23:20). – Hydrate, eat balanced meals, avoid stimulant-crash cycles that foster mid-day fog. • Steward money wisely – Budget with giving, saving, and necessary expense at the top (Proverbs 3:9-10; 21:5). – Track spending tied to late-night cravings or impulse buys; redirect to kingdom priorities. • Build accountability – Share goals with a trusted believer; invite honest check-ins (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Celebrate progress; confess lapses quickly to break shame-induced slumps. Motivation: look to future reward “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.” (Colossians 3:23-24) Diligence today safeguards resources, multiplies generosity, and models faithful stewardship for the next generation. Summary snapshot Self-control, empowered by the Spirit and exercised through intentional habits, keeps drowsiness from settling in and poverty from overtaking. When appetites serve God’s purposes instead of ruling us, both spiritual vigor and material stability follow. |
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