What practical steps can you take to "open your eyes" and avoid poverty? Read the Key Verse “Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have food to spare.” (Proverbs 20:13) See the Problem Clearly • Loving sleep = embracing laziness • Growing poor = predictable outcome • Opening eyes = choosing alert, purposeful diligence that leads to provision Recognize the Roots of Poverty • Neglecting personal responsibility (Proverbs 6:10-11) • Ignoring opportunities (Proverbs 10:5) • Refusing wise counsel (Proverbs 13:18) • Squandering resources (Proverbs 21:17) Practical Ways to “Open Your Eyes” 1. Establish a purposeful morning routine • Begin the day in Scripture and prayer (Psalm 5:3) • Set clear daily goals before distractions set in 2. Embrace diligent work habits • “The hand of the diligent will rule” (Proverbs 12:24) • Reject procrastination—finish tasks the same day whenever possible 3. Build marketable skills • “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings” (Proverbs 22:29) • Read, train, or apprentice regularly; schedule weekly learning time 4. Budget and steward income wisely • Count the cost before spending (Luke 14:28) • Track every expense for one month; eliminate waste • Save first; spend later (Proverbs 21:20) 5. Cultivate multiple streams of honest income • “Sow your seed in the morning and at evening” (Ecclesiastes 11:6) • Explore side work or small enterprises that fit your abilities 6. Seek wise mentors • “Plans succeed through wise counsel” (Proverbs 20:18) • Meet monthly with someone experienced in your field or finances 7. Guard against time-stealers • Limit excessive entertainment and social media • Turn devices off one hour before bedtime to rise early refreshed 8. Choose industrious companions • “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Spend more time with self-starters, less with chronic complainers 9. Practice generous giving • “Honor the LORD with your wealth…your barns will be filled” (Proverbs 3:9-10) • Set aside a predetermined portion for the Lord and for those in need 10. Maintain contentment • “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6) • Gratitude keeps the heart from envy and reckless spending Warnings to Heed • Debt can enslave (Proverbs 22:7) • Get-rich-quick schemes tempt but destroy (Proverbs 28:20) • Neglecting family provision is worse than unbelief (1 Timothy 5:8) Promises to Embrace • Diligence leads to abundance (Proverbs 13:4) • Faithful stewardship invites God’s blessing (Malachi 3:10) • Hard work done “as unto the Lord” receives eternal reward (Colossians 3:23-24) Take the First Step Today Open your eyes—rise, plan, work, and steward. God’s Word assures that alert, disciplined living replaces lack with “food to spare.” |
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