Hebrew Teaching on Diligence and Follies
The two words, wisdom, and folly are inseparable; they cannot be away from each other. Folly is the act of having the knowledge of the benefits of making a good choice, but rather choosing the wrong or foolish decision. Diligence is the act of being aware of something. Therefore, one who often postpones activities and comes up with excuses is lazy (Hindson & Yates, 2012). The Hebrew wisdom books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Songs of Songs, and Psalms covers teachings on diligence, folly, wisdom, and laziness. Proverbs explains the differences between wisdom and folly as well as diligence and laziness clearly.
According to Proverbs, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,” (Proverbs. 6:6 – 7, King James Version). The ant in this verse is diligent; there is no command that directs it. The ant goes an extra mile to collect food in preparation for the summer. The book of Proverbs describes a lazy person as sluggard, “As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.” (Proverbs. 26:14). A comparison of the sluggard and the door is evident, the lazy man is waiting for someone to wake him up and tell him to work (Hindson, 2003). In the end, the sluggard will not harvest, while the ant because of its diligence will reap bountifully.
Secondly, the book of proverbs explains the imaginations, dreams, and aspirations that individuals have at personal level. (Proverbs. 21:25), “the craving of a sluggard will be his death, because his hands refuse to work” This verse points that the dreams of the lazy one will lead him to death. The sluggard’s dreams are not realizable, only if he jumps out of bed and do work (Hindson, 2003). H...
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...olishness. This ranges from hard work, wealth and poverty, marriage, and the power of the tongue. The Biblical teachings on these subjects are distinct and offer God’s view on the subjects. Therefore, there is no defense of being ignorant of these Hebrew teachings of wisdom and foolishness, and diligence and follies.
References
Hindson, E. E. (2003). Courageous faith: Life lessons from Old Testament heroes. Chattanooga, Tenn: AMG Publishers.
Hindson, E. E., & Yates, G. E. (2012). The Essence of the Old Testament: A survey. Nashville, Tenn: B & H Academic.
Holy Bible, King James Version.
References
Hindson, E. E. (2003). Courageous faith: Life lessons from Old Testament heroes. Chattanooga, Tenn: AMG Publishers.
Hindson, E. E., & Yates, G. E. (2012). The Essence of the Old Testament: A survey. Nashville, Tenn: B & H Academic.
Holy Bible, King James Version.
The Bible: The Old Testament. The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Ed. Sarah Lawall et al. Vol 1. 7th ed. New York: Norton, 1999. 47-97.
Heaton, David M. “Act of Faith.” Short Story Series. N.p.: Salem Press, 2004. N. pag. Masterplots II. Literary Reference Center. Web. 5 Apr. 2010.
Robinson, B. A. (2008, March 30). Books of the Hebrew Scripture . Retrieved May 7, 2011, from Religious Tolerance: http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_otb3.htm
Harris, Stephen. Understanding The Bible. 6 ed. New York City: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages, 2002. Print.
Bruce S. Feiler, Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths (New York: Perennial, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2004). Bruce Feiler. " About Bruce." Bruce Feiler.
New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997. Osborne, Grant R. Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002.
Green, Joel B., & Longman, Tremper (Eds.). Holy Bible -- The Everday Study Edition. Dallas: Word Publishing. 1996.
Proverbs also tells us very much about wisdom. It says that a wise man will hear and be educated. Fearing the Lord is knowledge and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. A man that has found wisdom and understanding is one that is happy. It tells us that the law of the wise is like a fountain of life. Meaning that wise lawmakers celebrate life and are merciful and fair. Lastly, the wise will delight in rejoicing in God and all his creation.
Carson, D, & Moo, D. (2005) An introduction to the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
New Testament. Vol. 2. Edited by Gerhard Kittel. Translated by Geoffrey W. Bromiley. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1964.
The New Interpreter's Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha. Nashville: Abingdon Press, ©2003.
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected (Proverbs 18:15)
Schreiner, Thomas R. and Ardel B. Caneday. The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance & Assurance. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001.
Proverbs are not promises (as Ecclesiastes and Job emphasize) but are a call to action…wise living.
Theopedia, an Encyclopedia of Biblical Christianity." Theopedia, an Encyclopedia of Biblical Christianity. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. (Theopedia) (Theopedia)