Sermon From a Field

“I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding.  And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction.” Proverbs 24:30–32

The traveler wasn’t casting judgment on the vineyard, but the field caused him to stop and ponder what he saw. Thorns and briars covered the land; the stone wall (or fence) was down from a lack of attention. The field’s condition was due to the landowner’s laziness.

Sometimes weeds overtake plant life and lawns because the owner’s health conditions or circumstances prevent the needed care. Other times, the intrusions happen from laziness and neglect, as in the case of the neglectful vineyard owner. Solomon wrote that such laxity slowly leads to poverty (vs. 33–34). The passerby saw the field’s condition, thought about it, looked again, and learned a valuable lesson: Weeds and their seeds and runners slowly and steadily root and ready themselves for invasion and, like an armed man, will take everything you have.

Laziness in our spiritual walk leads to poverty in our souls. “Thorns and thistles” find unguarded spots to root themselves in neglected hearts’ soil, and passersby, friends, and family members will notice the results. Poorly kept life gardens adversely affect some people, while others see, look again, and learn what not to do. We gain wisdom from excellent and poor examples when we are willing to listen to and receive God’s instructions.