January 15, 2026 Morning Devotional

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverbs 12:27  The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

Proverbs 12:24  The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

The term slothful is used 19 times in the book of Proverbs and the term sluggard is used 6 times. In every case both terms have a negative connotation. There is nothing good of and for the slothful nor for the sluggard.

There are a great many good things to say about the diligent the persistent, the tenacious, zealous, dedicated, committed, driven, active, busy person.

In verse 27 we find the slothful person does not roast what he takes in hunting. In context with the nature, weather and climate of the middle east when something is taken in hunting it had to be dressed and processed as soon as possible or it would quickly spoil by reason of the heat. Roasting or drying the meat takes a considerable amount of time and effort. While the slothful may enjoy all the aspects of the hunt, the planning, the taking and the tracking, he does not follow through with the final stages of cleaning and roasting. As a result all of the animal is lost.

It is the diligent person who prospers, gets things done and fairs well. God tells us as believers to be diligent about the things of the Lord.

Proverbs 10:4  He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Being in our 15th day of the new year we find we still have 350 days left to accomplish much if we are diligent.

Making your plans, setting your plans and accomplishing what you planned all requires diligence. The slothful in our text made plans to hunt, went hunting, took the quarry but failed to roast it. He never completed his task to the end.

My friend, I am so grateful that God was never been slothful nor a sluggard.

He set His plan for your salvation when He chose Jesus: 1Peter 1:20  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

God’s plan for Jesus was accomplished by Jesus. Hebrews 10:7  Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

God’s plan is not finished. He is still working in the world and in the personal lives of His dear saints. In His plan He will one day return to establish His kingdom on earth.

Be encouraged to be diligent about the things of the Lord. Don’t be slothful nor a sluggard. There is much to do. Read and study your bible and spend time in prayer.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook