Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Titus 1:1-16, Psalm 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 26:13-16

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Excuses vs Action

“The lazy person claims, ‘There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!’ As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed. Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth. Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.”
— Proverbs 26:13–16 (NLT)

Have you ever met someone with a hundred reasons why they can’t do what needs to be done? Maybe you’ve been that person. The “lazy person” in Proverbs 26 is full of drama and excuses—imagining lions in the streets just to stay home in bed.

God paints this picture for us not just to amuse, but to awaken. Laziness dulls our purpose and deadens our spirit. It lulls us into cycles of delay, distraction, and self-deception. The sluggard won’t even lift food to their mouth—what a warning for us not to spiritually starve while holding the Bread of Life in our hands!

Laziness isn’t just about physical inactivity. It can be spiritual, mental, and emotional too. We know what God has asked of us, but we spin in circles—comfortable, clever, and convinced we know better. But you were not made for idleness. You were made to rise, build, and walk in step with your Savior. It’s time to stop turning on the hinges of excuses—and start moving in faith.

Reflect:

• What “lions” have I been using as excuses?
• Am I delaying something God already told me to do?
• Do I consider myself “wise” while resisting wise counsel? 💎

Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take a quiet moment with God today. Ask Him to reveal any areas in your life where laziness, procrastination, or avoidance may be robbing your purpose. Write them down. Then ask Him for His strength, strategy, and urgency to move forward in obedience—no more excuses, just surrendered steps of faith.

Be sure to write down what He shows you so you’ll always have it to remember—and the enemy can’t lie, steal it away, or deceive you later.

Prayer

Lord, wake me up from spiritual slumber. Remove every excuse that keeps me from following through. Fill me with holy motivation and help me walk out the calling You’ve placed on my life. I don’t want to be hinged to comfort—I want to be hinged to You, my Christ and King. In Your precious name I pray, even Jesus Christ, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.