Proverbs 12:27

French (BDS) 2015 (La Bible du Semeur 2015)

Le paresseux ne fait pas rôtir son gibier ; le bien le plus précieux de l’homme, c’est l’activité.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from the Book of Proverbs tells us that a lazy person won't work to cook the food they've hunted, while a hardworking person will make the most of what they have and their efforts will be valuable. The key message is about the value of diligence and the lack of value in laziness.

Explained for Children

Imagine you catch a fish. A lazy person might not even bother to clean or cook it, but a hardworking person will take care of it and make a yummy meal. This verse shows us how much better it is to work hard and make the most of what we have.

Historical Background

Proverbs is a book of wisdom sayings in the Old Testament, written largely by King Solomon around 950 BC. It was aimed at educating people on how to live a righteous and wise life, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, understanding, and moral conduct.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, this could apply to someone who has a great job opportunity but doesn't put in the effort to succeed, versus someone who takes the opportunity and works diligently, making their efforts very valuable. For example, a person who gets a promotion but doesn't work hard, versus someone who takes it seriously and excels, getting rewarded for their hard work.

Topics

• diligence
• laziness
• wisdom
• value
• work ethic
• reward

Related Verses

• Proverbs 6:6-11
• Proverbs 10:4
• Ecclesiastes 9:10
• 2 Thessalonians 3:10
• 1 Timothy 5:8

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is diligence emphasized in Proverbs 12:27?

Diligence is emphasized because it leads to valuable outcomes, unlike laziness which often leads to wasted opportunities and resources.

Can you provide an example of someone being 'slothful' in today's world?

Someone who has a great job but doesn't put in the effort to perform well or improve their skills, essentially wasting their potential and opportunity.

What does it mean to have 'precious substance'?

Having 'precious substance' means that the results of one's hard work are valuable and appreciated, often leading to rewards and success.

How can I apply the lesson of Proverbs 12:27 in my daily life?

You can apply this by taking every opportunity seriously and putting in your best effort, ensuring that your work is valuable and rewarding.