Proverbs 24:30-31 (ESV)
30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
The father described an occasion in which he observed the vineyard of a lazy man. The vineyard had the potential to bring forth prized fruit, and yet it required patience, care, and diligence to maintain its productivity. This particular vineyard no longer produced anything edible. Its walls lay in shambles and it was overrun with weeds. It became worthless, standing as a testimony to its owner’s foolish behavior. Like the sluggard, we can grow lazy and tired of hard work. But letting fields become dilapidated is never worth it. Maybe you don’t own a vineyard, but you have been entrusted with much, including your relationships. Are you putting in the required energy and effort to maintain intimacy in your marriage, healthy friendships, and continual dependence upon the Lord? If not, determine to get to work. God can bring life even to the barren places when we are willing to do things his way.