The Soul-Sluggard
P. S. Davis. Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. The words "sluggard" and "sluggish" are the same derivation. We speak of sluggish water, stagnant, covered with green, breeding disease and death. What a contrast to a fountain of clear, sparkling water, dancing in the sunlight, quickening everything it touches into life! The soul's harvest is in eternity. Why does the sinner neglect preparation for this harvest? Let us look at a few of his reasons. 1. He says that his heart is "cold"; he has not the proper feeling. He forgets — (1) That duty is a debt. The taxpayer does not wait for feeling before he pays the assessment. (2) Work in the line of duty brings feeling, warmth. Friction begets heat. If you lack feeling, search for some unpleasant duty and discharge it. 2. The sinner urges, "The Church is 'cold.'" He says, "No one speaks to me about my soul." Does the traveller at the railway station wait till the train starts and the ticket-office closes because "no one speaks to him"? It is frivolous reasoning, that because Church members fail in their duty I have a right to fail in mine. 3. It is even urged by the impenitent that God is "cold" — indifferent to their salvation. They wait until He is ready — until He moves upon their hearts.Observe — 1. The reasons urged by the impenitent are but shallow pretexts to hide their disinclination. The man would not plough because he was a sluggard. 2. "Therefore," says the text, "shall he beg." The begging is the effect of a sufficient cause. Eternal death is not the result of an accident. 3. They that beg in harvest shall beg in vain, "and have nothing." The prayer of Dives was not answered. (P. S. Davis.) Parallel Verses KJV: The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. WEB: The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.