The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom. It was written to people who were primarily farmers. They raised what they ate. And so, a lot of the wisdom is communicated through agricultural allusions.

Today’s piece of wisdom is a good example of this. Proverbs 10:5 says, “He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.” When it comes to farming, you have to be active and working to make a living and to put food on your table. The food doesn’t just show up on your table. You have to grow it. You have to cultivate it. You have to harvest it. You have to cook. And then you can eat it.

And you can’t just do that whenever you want. There is a growing season when crops will grow, late spring into the summer through early fall. And then there is a season where nothing will grow, late fall into the winter through early spring. And so you have to get while the getting is good.

“He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.” The prudent wise person works hard and takes advantage of every opportunity. Plenty and fullness and satisfaction will be their future. But, the shameful person is lazy and sleeps through the opportunities they are presented. Lack and emptiness and hunger will be future.

Beloved, we have to work and make the most of every opportunity. And, this principle doesn’t just apply to farming. It applies to all of life. You have to get up and get it done. Nobody’s going to do it for you. Stop with the laziness. Stop with excuses. And go make the most of the opportunities God has given you.

Change begins in you!