Avoid Empty Pursuits

Note from today’s Bible reading: Proverbs 27-29; Ecclesiastes 1-3

There are many passages in the book of Proverbs that condemn laziness. However, the wise man also explained that one could fill his life with activity and still end up in the same state of poverty as the lazy person.

The wise man wrote, “He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty” (Proverbs 28:19). Both individuals in this verse were active and putting effort into whatever task was before them. However, one would have “plenty” while the other would find himself in “poverty.”

The difference between these two individuals was not in their effort but in what they focused on in their effort. The first person focused on work that would allow him to provide for himself and his family. The second person focused on work that was worthless and unprofitable.

While we certainly want to avoid laziness, we also need to be careful not to waste our time and energy on activities that do not amount to anything. This does not mean we cannot enjoy hobbies or do fun things, but we first need to make sure we take care of our primary responsibilities.

So avoid empty pursuits. Not all effort is worthwhile. It is possible to exhaust ourselves with activity and still fail to fulfill the responsibilities we have in life.