There is trouble in the land when our leaders have the philosophy to “party first, work later.” This is because there is usually no time to work later. Those who watch out for our welfare need to be hard at work. We are depending on them.
Solomon was not giving a lesson in “Political Science 101” in Ecclesiastes 10:16, which reads, “Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, And your princes feast in the morning!” (NKJV). He was talking about the wise use of one’s time. Notice the following lessons.
First, our work ethic affects others. The laziness of the king has a direct impact upon the land. Equally, the slothfulness of parents will encourage the same in their children. A poor work ethic on the job pulls down the company and frequently requires other employees to do more than their fair share. It has been frequently noted that approximately 80% of the work done by the church is done by only 20% of her members. This is not fair. Just as our body has members that all contribute, so also must all the members of the church (the body of Christ) contribute (1 Corinthians 12:11; Romans 12:3). Solomon had earlier said, “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (9:10). He said in 11:6, “sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening…” The point? Work! Work often, work hard and work whenever you can.
Second, our work ethic affects us. If we don’t have a good work ethic, then we will suffer. Solomon observed that “through indolence the rafters sag, and through slackness the house leaks” (10:18). We reap what we have sown! Who is to blame that we have to watch the rain come into our house and ruin our furniture? Solomon also notes that the lazy man will reap very unpleasant results (Proverbs 6:9-11).
Third, our work ethic effects God. We were created so that we might do good works (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14; James 2:14-26). Laziness will activate the wrath of God. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked: For whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Hosea noted that sometimes we’ll reap even more than we have sown (Hosea 8:7)!
It is generally recognized that affluence brings apathy and laziness (Ecclesiastes 5:11f). In our wealth, have we grown complacent? The Christian must set the pace of diligence in work—at the workplace (Colossians 3:23) and in the Lord’s work (2 Timothy 2:15).
