Proverbs 12:27
A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.
A lazy man does not roast his game
This phrase highlights the consequences of laziness, a recurring theme in Proverbs. In ancient times, hunting was a vital means of sustenance, and failing to roast game would mean wasting valuable resources. The imagery suggests that a lazy person fails to complete tasks, leading to loss and unfulfilled potential. Biblically, laziness is often contrasted with diligence (Proverbs 6:6-11). The failure to roast game can symbolize spiritual negligence, where one does not cultivate or utilize the blessings and opportunities God provides. This can be connected to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, where the servant who did nothing with his talent was reprimanded.

but a diligent man prizes his possession
Diligence is portrayed as a virtue that leads to prosperity and fulfillment. The diligent man values and makes the most of what he has, reflecting a responsible and grateful attitude. This aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship, where individuals are called to manage their resources wisely (1 Corinthians 4:2). The term "prizes his possession" suggests an appreciation and careful management of one's resources, talents, and opportunities. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who diligently fulfilled His mission on earth, valuing the "possession" of His people and the work given to Him by the Father (John 17:4). The diligent man's attitude is a model for believers to emulate, encouraging them to be faithful in their responsibilities and to honor God with their efforts.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Lazy Man
Represents individuals who lack motivation and discipline, failing to complete tasks or make the most of their resources.

2. Diligent Man
Symbolizes those who are industrious, responsible, and value their resources, ensuring they are used wisely.

3. Game
Refers to the resources or opportunities available to a person, which require effort to be fully utilized.

4. Possession
Denotes the outcomes or benefits that result from diligent work and careful stewardship.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Laziness
Laziness leads to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The lazy man fails to enjoy the fruits of his labor because he does not complete the task.

The Value of Diligence
Diligence is rewarded with satisfaction and the full enjoyment of one's efforts. The diligent man values and maximizes his resources.

Stewardship of Resources
We are called to be good stewards of what God has given us, whether it be time, talents, or material possessions. This requires effort and intentionality.

Spiritual Diligence
Just as we are to be diligent in our earthly tasks, we must also be diligent in our spiritual lives, seeking to grow in faith and understanding.

Practical Application
Consider how you can apply diligence in your daily life, whether in work, relationships, or spiritual growth, to honor God and make the most of your opportunities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the contrast between the lazy man and the diligent man in Proverbs 12:27 challenge your current approach to work and responsibilities?

2. In what areas of your life do you see a need for greater diligence, and how can you begin to address this?

3. How does the concept of stewardship relate to the diligent man's actions in Proverbs 12:27, and what resources has God entrusted to you that require careful management?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of laziness. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future actions?

5. How can the principles found in Proverbs 12:27 be applied to your spiritual life, and what steps can you take to ensure you are diligent in your relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 10:4
This verse contrasts the outcomes of laziness and diligence, similar to Proverbs 12:27, emphasizing that diligent hands bring wealth.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Encourages doing whatever your hand finds to do with all your might, aligning with the diligent man's approach in Proverbs 12:27.

Colossians 3:23
Advises believers to work heartily as for the Lord, not for men, which reflects the attitude of the diligent man.

Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents illustrates the importance of using one's resources and opportunities wisely, akin to the diligent man in Proverbs 12:27.
IndolenceT. De Witt Talmage.Proverbs 12:27
Labour as Enhancing the Relative Value of a Man's PossessionHomilistProverbs 12:27
Laxity and IndustryE. Johnson Proverbs 12:27
The Castle of IndolenceProverbs 12:27
The Slothful ManD. C. Gilmore.Proverbs 12:27
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Catch, Diligence, Diligent, Doesn't, Game, Gets, Hunt, Hunting, Lazy, Man's, Possession, Possessions, Precious, Prey, Prized, Prizes, Ready, Roast, Roasteth, Search, Slothful, Slow, Substance, Wealth, Worker
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 12:27

     5268   cooking
     5539   sluggard
     5810   complacency
     5833   diligence
     5967   thrift

Library
The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly
'Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2. A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3. A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6. The words of the wicked are to lie
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

April the Twenty-Second Speech as a Symptom of Health
"The tongue of the wise is health." --PROVERBS xii. 13-22. Our doctors often test our physical condition by the state of our tongue. With another and deeper significance the tongue is also the register of our condition. Our words are a perfect index of our moral and spiritual health. If our words are unclean and untrue, our souls are assuredly sickly and diseased. A perverse tongue is never allied with a sanctified heart. And, therefore, everyone may apply a clinical test to his own life: "What
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

To Pastors and Teachers
To Pastors and Teachers If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Of Having Confidence in God when Evil Words are Cast at Us
"My Son, stand fast and believe in Me. For what are words but words? They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone. If thou are guilty, think how thou wouldst gladly amend thyself; if thou knowest nothing against thyself, consider that thou wilt gladly bear this for God's sake. It is little enough that thou sometimes hast to bear hard words, for thou art not yet able to bear hard blows. And wherefore do such trivial matters go to thine heart, except that thou art yet carnal, and regardest
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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