What does "chases fantasies" imply about priorities and focus in Proverbs 12:11? Setting the verse Proverbs 12:11: “He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.” Defining “chases fantasies” • “Chases” pictures persistent pursuit—time, energy, and hope poured into something. • “Fantasies” refers to empty, unrealistic schemes (Proverbs 28:19). It can be: – Get-rich-quick ideas (Proverbs 13:11). – Daydreams of success without labor. – Any pursuit detached from God-honoring diligence. • The Hebrew carries the sense of “emptiness, nothingness” (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:7). What it says about priorities • Work your land first. God ordains productive labor (Genesis 2:15). • Needs outrank wants. “Plenty of food” meets essential provision; fantasies promise luxury but risk hunger. • Duty precedes desire. Responsible stewardship is the priority; speculative ventures are secondary at best. What it says about focus • Focus on what is in your God-given field—your present responsibilities. • Keep attention on tasks that yield tangible fruit (Galatians 6:7-9). • Guard the mind from distractions that siphon time but give no return (Ephesians 5:15-16). Consequences of misplaced focus • Material lack: chasing illusions often produces scarcity (Proverbs 21:5). • Moral lack: the verse says such a person “lacks judgment”—sound sense erodes (James 1:22). • Spiritual drift: unchecked fantasy pulls the heart from trusting God’s ordained means of provision (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Contrasting diligence and fantasy-chasing Diligence – Plows, plants, and perseveres. – Trusts God to bless ordinary faithfulness (Psalm 128:2). – Produces “plenty of food.” Fantasy-chasing – Leaps over process to grasp an illusion. – Trusts luck, schemes, or impulses. – Results in want and folly. Practical takeaways • Cultivate faithfulness in everyday work; see it as worship (Colossians 3:23-24). • Set realistic, obedient goals rather than craving overnight success. • Evaluate ventures by Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel before committing resources. • Redeem time: refuse habits of endless scrolling, gambling, or indulgent daydreaming that mimic fantasy-chasing. • Remember God’s promise: “Diligent hands will rule” (Proverbs 12:24) and “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). In short, “chases fantasies” warns that misplaced priorities and scattered focus lead to emptiness, while steady, God-honoring labor secures the provision and wisdom He delights to give. |
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