The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the cravings of the wicked. Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:2-3)
When it comes to trusting God there are two opinions that are often expressed. The first sounds super-spiritual: Let go and let God. The second is practical: God helps those who help themselves. Somewhere in between those two phrases is a balance between sitting around “trusting God” and working tirelessly without a sense of God’s promise to provide for those who seek him.
Proverbs chapter 10 is one of the portions of scripture which holds the two thoughts in what some would see as a paradox: God cares for and provides for those who are righteous, yet the same people are the encouraged to work hard, “gather the crops in summer” and be diligent. It’s not a case of one way or another, but as we work and do our part we trust in God’s provision for those who earnestly seek him.
Consider the following verses:
He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. (verse 5)
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (verse 9)
The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment. (verse 16)
The words of Jesus also reflect this same balance when he said; But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33).
“Seeking God first” isn’t sitting around and waiting for everything to fall into place. But nor is it a hurried or panic-driven, work-a-holic attitude that doesn’t take into account the promises of God. The Spirit-filled life is one of balance, recognizing that God works with us as we do our part, and trust in his goodness and promise to care for the practical needs of those who love him.
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