Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4, TLV
Old-Fashioned? Maybe Not. Pretty straight forward proverb today. Work hard, have wealth. Does wealth always mean money and possessions? Within the context of today’s chapter, it’s not just about stuff. So, what does this verse mean, especially with folks concerned about their jobs and caring for their families?
The archaic definition of wealth is: well-being, prosperity. If we only looked at this verse, that definition fits within the context. Let’s look at well-being. Well-being is a state-of-being, to be comfortable, healthy, or happy. Maybe another way to say it is contentment.
Does contentment require hard work? In a manner, yes. It takes diligence — careful and persistent work or effort. It was this definition that caused me to think of my grandmother. Grandma was an artist of diligence.
Grandma, the Artist of Diligence
Oh, how I loved my grandmother. Most of my best childhood 
memories were my times with her. She raised my father and his brothers during the Depression. My grandparents knew the value of hard, persistent work. Grandma seldom threw anything away — she was creative in how she reused just about everything. Margarine tubs were reused like Tupperware. Scraps went to the chickens. She recycled before it was cool.
Laundry was hung outside in the fresh air. Extra buttons went into an ancient cookie tin. She darned socks (translation: mended holes) over a light bulb.
She gave to the poor. Not just a few coins here and there. She walked to their homes and presented food, clothing, or special treats. They knew her and she knew them by name.
Waste was a bad word. Laziness was worse.
From the outside, my grandparents’ beautiful home was spacious, warm, inviting, and peaceful. No one would guess how hard they worked.
Yet, she made time to sit and “visit.” My memories of Grandma and I sitting on the porch swing telling me stories were precious. Were those stories the seed of my passion for writing, or did she sense my passion and encourage it? It doesn’t matter. She was an integral part of that passion.
An opportunity . . .
In the coming days, weeks, months — perhaps longer — we have an opportunity to rethink how we consume and steward the resources GOD has given us. When I compare my efforts to my grandmother’s there is a lot of room for improvement.
How much food do I throw away because I over purchased or just never got around to preparing it? How much do I purchase by whim and not necessity? What items have I purchased and not cared for?
We have an opportunity to change those behaviors. To be creative and prudent with what we have.
What if we lived a more archaic — old-fashioned — life? The life of 
shopping lists. Sticking to budgets. Planning meals. Balancing the checkbook. Growing a few tomatoes. Taking time to sit and visit with our family, maybe tell stories. Being grateful for where we are and thanking the LORD for His many blessings.
Just a thought. I bet you have great ideas, too.
Think More About It
What are the things you’re doing to be a good steward of God’s blessings? Please share your ideas.
And if this blog was helpful, please share it with your friends.
