All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23 (NIV)
Profit
Income inequality in Canada has increased over the past 20 years. The richest group of Canadians increased its share of total national income between 1993 and 2008, while the poorest group lost share. Middle-income Canadians also lost share. Although the gap between the rich and poor widened, Canadians in the poorest income group still saw their income levels rise, albeit minimally. High inequality can diminish economic growth if it means that the country is not fully using the skills and capabilities of all its citizens.
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We have all met those “big talkers” who spend their lives telling us about their big dreams, or their next scheme, or a great idea they have to get rich quick, but they live their lives in poverty and never seem to get ahead. These people existed in King Solomon’s day as well, and he speaks about them in Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” You can have all the great ideas in the world, but unless you are willing to get to work and work hard, none of those dreams will come to pass. Legendary football coach Lou Holz put the same principle this way: “Winners embrace hard work. They love the discipline of it, the trade-off they’re making to win. Losers, on the other hand, see it as punishment. And that’s the difference.” The Bible speaks about the benefits that come with work. God doesn’t want us to waste the talents that He has given us – and we honour Him best by putting those talents to use to bless others and bring honour to Him. Eternal life may be a gift, but success in this life requires work.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley