The notion of wisdom in the book of Hebrew has been discussed thoroughly and comprehensively from a range of various perspectives such as literary, linguistic, social-scientific, theological and historical approaches. This has played a crucial part in enabling people understand how wisdom was mainly interpreted in the ancient Israel. It is obvious that the bible speak abundantly and profusely concerning the wisdom of being diligent at the same time, showing an unambiguous contrast especially of what befalls the lazy person. Book of Hebrew argues that Christ followers usually have the benefit of enjoying the great reward by using the knowledge found in the holy bible while unbelievers usually chasten after themselves, thereby, falling victim to poverty. Throughout the essay, various teaching related to the book of Hebrew on the subject of diligence and laziness while at the same time contrasting wisdom and folly.
Diligence refers to an individual awareness as well as being on top of things while laziness is defined as the act of putting things off, thereby, making empty excuses of such behavior. It is evident that an individual could accumulate a massive array of various descriptors from just studying the Hebrew wisdom teachings regarding diligence such as abundance, enriches, power, fat, being a mentor and busyness among other issues. Additionally, the subject can be found in various books, in the bible, but mainly it is covered in the book of Proverbs, which was written by Solomon. In the bible, Solomon is always considered as the wisest person to ever live in planet earth since he was given wisdom as a gift from God. When Solomon was discussing wisdom he always decided to contrast it with laziness through an antithetical parallels. From the teachings, people usually learn that only the diligent ones will never want or lack anything. This implies that, diligence usually enable people to be richly supplied with their needs (Pr. 13:4). In the book, it is also quoted that the plans of the diligent ones will always lead to abundance (Pr. 21:5). In (Pr. 10:4), Solomon states that the hands of the hardworking are enriched, implying that those people that work tirelessly will have numerous benefits. In (Pr. 12:11) it is obvious that the hands of those people who work hard will always have plenty of foodstuffs. These teaching's emphasis on the issues that seem obvious to people, even though, much attention is required to achieve the stated advantages. Evidently, King Solomon’s kingdom was very profitable and thus his teaching may be the one that provided such environment filled with a luxurious lifestyle.
Idleness is something that the diligent will never be associated with since it can degrade their performance as well as achievements. Martha in Luke 10:40 is seen as an individual; who is dutiful and very busy to the extent that she missed everything that Jesus taught to the disciples. Solomon challenges people to discard and even avoid idleness since it will make them miss a lot of things in life especially blessings and success. As the followers of Christ, individuals are always obligated to consider his teaching even at places of work, church, and home. In Proverbs 31:27, Solomon claims that those people, who remain diligent, while avoiding the bread of idleness usually find themselves in the successful position of leadership and even great influence. In addition, Solomon puts it forth that diligent people will always rule (12:24). This is seen through Jeroboam, who experienced such blessing simply by being a diligent worker as well as man of ability (1st Kings 11). Just because he was a diligent worker, Jeroboam was appointed as the supervisor of the laborers. Furthermore, he was eventually chosen as a King of Israel. Solomon emphases on the repercussions of being lazy, which might include poverty, shameful, repelling the employees, craves normally without satisfaction and lack of senses (Pr. 12:11).
Wisdom refers to as making the right and wise decisions while folly means knowing all the benefits related to wise choices, but the individual proceeds to make foolish choices or decisions. Wisdom is rather seen as the knowledge applied when dealing with issues whether critical or not (Hindson and Gary 265). Solomon tells people to consider wisdom through using the scriptures to make the right decision since making foolish ideas will always have negative consequences. He argues that diligence may lead individuals to include those things that make up a wise person such as good and effective leadership that needs wisdom in ruling. Through reading such scriptures and applying them in real life, people will be the position to acquire wisdom. One may read and apply the knowledge he or she has in leading a prayerful life, which will enable him or her gain wisdom. However, if the person knows what is required of him or her, but decides to act foolishly, he or she may find himself or herself in a folly situation, which will always lead to consequences such as laziness and eventually poverty. For instance, many people across the world nowadays are caught in sins such sexual immorality like infidelity that might lead to a divorce. They are aware of such behaviors, but still proceeds ahead to make folly decisions, which cost their marriages.
In a nutshell, Christ followers always have the advantage of enjoying from a wide range of benefits. These benefits acqired reading the bible and making use of the teaching in real life situation. Unbelievers may find themselves in a compromising situation that may lead them in facing the dire consequences of sins such as poverty.
Works Cited
Hindson, Ed, and Gary Yates, eds. The Essence of the Old Testament: a Survey. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2012.
