23. Know well the condition of your flocks,
and give attention to your herds,
24. for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations?
25. When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
26. the lambs will provide your clothing,
and the goats the price of a field.
27. There will be enough goats’ milk for your food,
for the food of your household
and maintenance for your girls.
Comment: We have read a lot about the word ‘sluggard’ in the book of Proverbs. Sluggard means lazy. Today we hear about the good farmer. It describes the cycles of nature, the need for careful husbandry but also the joy of a satisfied family with all the workers.
Maybe we think, as few of our people are farmers, that it is irrelevant for the majority today but it is not. Whoever we are, although Jesus taught us not to be worried about (centred on) our future but to trust in God, nevertheless we are to be industrious. The passage does not centre on hedonistic values which tend to dominate the West at the moment. But look and you will see: careful assessment (23); planning for the future (24); live in hope for present needs met and possible expansion (25&26); needs met for the whole family (27).
Prayer: Help me to live a balanced industrious and successful life according to these principles, please.
As I read it! 