Wisdom is learned by experience; it can be ours or someone else's. In this passage, Solomon tells what he learned from someone else's failure:

I went by the field of a slacker

and by the vineyard of one lacking sense. 

Thistles had come up everywhere,

weeds covered the ground,

and the stone wall was ruined.

I saw, and took it to heart;

I looked, and received instruction: 

a little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the arms to rest,

and your poverty will come like a robber,

and your need, like a bandit.

Proverbs 24:30-34

Big Idea

Solomon is warning us about the long-term consequences of a lazy lifestyle.

Opening Question for Both

We all have unique preferences for down-time which can change throughout our lives.

Currently, what's one of your favorite ways to relax?

What's the difference between healthy down-time and sinful laziness?

For Parents

1. Try to think of a time when you procrastinated on an important task or over-indulged in recreation. Describe what happened. 

2. Look at the last two lines: what does the Bible say laziness leads to? Have you personally witnessed an example of this for yourself or someone else? Tell the story if you can.

For Both

3. Solomon never actually sees the slacker; he sees his work. Look carefully at the passage and find a) what his crop is and b) what is threatening a good harvest.

For Students

4. The fifth line indicates his "wall was ruined". Do an internet search to find out what was the benefit of a stone wall for a vineyard. Any results?

5. Lines 8 and 9 describe classic lazy behaviors. What are they? Which one is your favorite?

6. As you take a break from school, try think of three summer goals you can enjoy:

a) for your mind - what's something you'd like to learn more about this Summer? 

b) for your body - what's a way you want to stay active? 

c) for your heart - what's a way you want to become more mature as a Christian?