DCLM Daily Manna 7 November 2026: Danger of Slothfulness
KEY VERSE: “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute” (Proverbs 12:24).
TEXT: Proverbs 12:21–24
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
READ OTHER DCLM DAILY DEVOTIONAL HERE
From numerous wildlife reports, the three-toed Sloth is considered the world’s slowest animal. Sloths have an extremely low metabolic rate, which means they move at a languid, sluggish pace through the trees. On average, sloths travel 41 yards per day—less than half the length of a football field. Sloths spend the majority of their time up in the canopy, coming down only once per week to relieve themselves. The trees provide a natural protection from predators such as jaguars and eagles; it’s safer for sloths to remain motionless and camouflaged off the ground.
As good as it is for one to stay out of danger, especially in not too safe environments, remaining in one place and fearing to venture out of the comfort zone is a recipe for poverty. The presentation and style of the passage before us today are common with the book of Proverbs, where contrasts are outlined. Today’s passage contains some valuable contrasts with potential to add value to those who take biblical injunctions seriously. Telling the truth is contrasted with lying lips, prudence is paired against foolishness, while diligence is preferred above a slothful disposition, which only tends to lack. To make it more frightening, the writer reveals that such slothfulness can enslave someone and place such under tribute.
The word ‘slothfulness’ is derived from the word ‘sloth’. Sloth itself originally referred to a state of laziness or indolence. The animal known as a ‘sloth’ was later named after this concept of laziness due to its slow movement and tree-dwelling habits. To the slothful man, there is always a danger out there. Without paying attention to the laziness issues in some people, we sometimes find it more convenient to blame the witches and wizards in the village, or some mystical element somewhere, that are responsible for their lack of progress. It is a clear contradiction to claim being cursed and yet the real problem is the slothfulness of the individual.
The lesson here is clear. Those who are diligent and hardworking receive a good reward for their labour. There is a need to rise early and maintain a devotional and work life. We not only need to work hard, but we also need to work smart to ensure that our efforts are strategic enough to bring the desired success in life and ministry.
Thought for the day: Prayer is not an alternative to hard work.
The Bible in one year: 1 Kings 13–14
DCLM Daily Manna 7 November 2026
