.....medical

The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!’ As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. Proverbs 26:13–15

The story is told of a man who went to the doctor, complaining that he just couldn’t do all the things he used to do around the house. After a full examination, he said, “I can take it, Doc — tell me in plain English what’s wrong with me.”

“In plain English,” the doctor replied, “you’re just lazy.”

The man paused and said, “Okay. Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife.”

That story hits home because we’ve all had moments when we’d rather find a clever excuse than face a plain truth. Whether it’s “I’m too tired,” “it’s not the right time,” or “I’ll get to it tomorrow,” our words try to make it sound reasonable, but deep down, we just don’t want to do it.

Solomon’s wisdom in Proverbs 26 paints a series of vivid pictures of laziness. A man so afraid of imaginary lions that he won’t go outside. A person so sluggish he can’t lift food to his own mouth. A door that turns but goes nowhere — just like someone rolling over in bed instead of getting up. The images are funny, but the message is serious: laziness, if left unchecked, doesn’t just waste time — it can waste our lives.

God isn’t against rest. In fact, rest is good and necessary, but avoidance disguised as rest is not. God calls us to live with diligence, not excuses. To be faithful in the small, ordinary tasks of life — even when we don't feel like it.

There may not be a lion in the street. But there may be someone who needs encouragement. A task that will bring glory to God. An opportunity to grow. Laziness doesn't just keep us in bed — it keeps us from becoming who God created us to be.

- adapted from alan smith

Lord, help me recognize the excuses I make — especially the ones I try to justify. Give me the energy to do what matters most so that I can be faithful in the work you’ve placed before me. In Jesus’ name, amen.