Man’s Work and Man’s Wisdom
“For also when we were with you we enjoined you this, that if any man does not like to work, neither let him eat” (2 Thess. 3:10 JND).
“My son... keep sound wisdom and discretion: so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, and thy foot shall not stumble; when thou liest down... thy sleep shall be sweet” (Prov. 3:21-24 JND).
Real Men Work
We live in a world increasingly flooded with the concept of easy riches to be gained without work. However, even in Eden, Adam was responsible to work (see Gen. 2:15). Of course, before sin ruined all, it would have been a delight to till and dress that perfect environment. But after they sinned, Adam still had to work, though now it would be “in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread” (Gen. 3:19).
Not only did God give Adam work to do, but He endowed him with the wisdom to do it well and in a way that honored God (see Gen. 2:18-20).
His command is that men should work to provide for necessities theirs, families and others who have needs (1 Tim. 5:8). God also graciously promises a full supply of wisdom for carrying out that work in an intelligent manner (see James 1:5).
The Importance of Proper Planning
For a young man, perhaps contemplating marriage and family, God’s order is clear. “Prepare thy work without, and put thy field in order, and afterward build thy house” (Prov. 24:27 JND). Responsible manhood begins by preparing a field (work, a career) which later will be able to support the house (wife, family, life) that he plans to build.
Spiritual Work and Leadership
These principles, though plain, are not only applicable in the natural realms of life, such as marriage and family. They also apply in the spiritual realm—both in the home and in the assembly.
Men ought to be spiritually busy working—studying, meditating on, and walking in the truth revealed in God’s Word. Manly spiritual diligence and energy are vital to provide spiritual food and care for family, brethren and those without Christ.
Too often in spiritual things men do not act as men, refusing their spiritual headship. This frequently results in forcing the wife and mother into a role that is not hers—spiritual leader in the home.
In the assembly, if men don’t expend spiritual energy, the result is weakness through lack of sound teaching and leadership as well as silence rather than praise and worship. Men! Be as diligent in spiritual matters as you are in your temporal work!
When Pharaoh found out that Joseph’s brethren were shepherds, he told him, “If thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle” (Gen. 47:6). Oh how we need “spiritual men of activity” to guide, care for, and nourish the flock of God!
The Need for Wise Men
David’s reign was, by and large, a happy and blessed time in Israel. His kingdom included men from the tribe of Issachar who counseled him men that had “understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chron. 12:32).
Today, feministic philosophies discourage and reject the thought that men should be guides and leaders. The result is a painful lack of manly leadership and direction in every sphere of life. Feminism unceasingly pushes the woman forward as being more suited than the man for the role of headship.
The result is a world beset with a Babel of conflicting and confusing remedies for social ills. Having spurned God, refusing to submit to His divine wisdom, mankind only proves itself incapable of solving moral ills by its natural intelligence.
In the face of this onslaught, it is vital that Christian men (and women, too) hold fast the truth of God and maintain the place that God has marked out for each. Families, marriages the assembly too desperately need men who through prayer, reading and obedience receive divinely given “understanding of the times.” We need men willing to stand as men against the enemy’s opposition. Receiving godly understanding is a result of faith and obedience.
No Place for Laziness
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11).
It is understood in secular employment that laziness (“slothfulness”) will not result in good jobs, career security, or a steady, livable wage. Far more importantly, God directs us to consider the insignificant ant as a warning against laziness (Prov. 6:6). How good to be as diligent and wise as the ant in all our things in order that much blessing might result.
Let us soberly meditate on seven solemn warnings from God’s Word concerning laziness:
1. It causes grief and distress (Prov. 10:26).
2. It brings a man into servitude rather than allowing him to maintain his place of headship and authority (Prov. 12:24).
3. It brings unfulfilled emptiness rather than the satisfaction that diligence provides (Prov. 13:4).
4. Laziness and wastefulness are related and both dishonor God (Prov. 18:9).
5. For the lazy, any adversity becomes a convenient hindrance to hard work (Prov. 20:4).
6. There is no manly courage displayed in slothfulness (Prov. 26:13).
7. The lazy man, because of his pride, will not receive any benefit from divine wisdom (Prov. 26:16).
The Perfect Example for Men
As in everything, our blessed Lord Jesus provides the perfect example of manhood. He ever worked the works of God. May we seek grace to humbly and diligently “walk even as He walked” (1 John 2:6).
“Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).
“Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17).
“I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4).
What blessing our Lord’s perfect diligence and obedience has wrought! May we also diligently do the work He has seen fit to give each of us to do.
Ed.