Today’s “uncommon common sense” proverbs are about as practical and “down to earth” as proverbs can be.  Proverbs 20:13 addresses an ailment common to many—the temptation to hit the slumber button on our alarm, roll over and indulge your flesh in a little more sleep.

Before someone gets defensive, allow me to acknowledge that sleep is not only a blessing it is necessary.  Too little sleep weakens the body and robs one of mental acuity; however, too much sleep turns a man into a lazy sluggard!   The Book of Proverbs admonishes against the indulgence of sleep on several occasions.

Proverbs 6:9-11 – “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?” ¹⁰ “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: ¹¹ So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth [poverty is slowly, but surely approaching], and thy want [poverty; hunger] as an armed man [a man bearing a shield to deflect blows].”

Proverbs 19:15 – “Slothfulness [sluggish; lazy] casteth [cast down; fall] into a deep sleep [lethargy; unconsciousness]…”

Solomon writes in today’s proverb:

Proverbs 20:13 – “Love [desire; have affection for] not sleep, lest thou come to poverty [be impoverished; to make poor]; open [be observant; look to] thine eyes [sight; view], and thou shalt be satisfied [filled with plenty] with bread [food; grain; meat].”

In plain English…open your eyes, get out of bed, go to work and the fruit of your labor will be both rewarding and satisfying!

In Proverbs 20:14, Solomon gives us familiar lesson in commerce.

Proverbs 20:14 – “It is naught [wrong; sin; wicked; hurt], it is naught, saith the buyer [purchase; acquire]: but when he [buyer] is gone his way, then he boasteth [glories; celebrated; shouts; is proud].”

Some people love “dickering” and haggling over the purchase price of an item.  It is humorous to observe the differences in perspective of a seller and a potential buyer. The seller highlights the best qualities of the item for sale, while the buyer objects, pointing out any little flaw or concern that might affect the price.  The seller magnifies an item’s inherent value; the buyer amplifies its flaws… “Too much!” protests the buyer.  Finally the two agree on a compromise…the seller protesting he was cheated, the buyer complaining he paid too much.  However, with the transaction complete, the buyer soon boasts to others “he stole” the item!

A good lesson in application is, it’s fair to get a good bargain, but committing fraud is a moral wrong.

Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith