Day 85: The Sluggard’s Excuses

Day 85: The Sluggard’s Excuses

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 26:13–16

Key Verse: “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.” — Proverbs 26:16 (ESV)

Reflection

The sluggard isn’t just lazy—he’s creative in his excuses, convinced of his own wisdom, and comfortable in cycles of unproductivity. Solomon exposes the mindset of the lazy person not just to criticize, but to warn us of the spiritual and practical cost of a passive life.

Excuses are easier than effort (v. 13).

“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road!’”

Really? A lion? That’s the point—lazy people will invent any excuse to avoid responsibility. Whether it’s fear, procrastination, or “bad timing,” they’ll say anything to stay in bed a little longer or delay doing what needs to be done. Leaders must recognize the difference between real obstacles and manufactured excuses.

Inaction becomes a habit (v. 14).

“As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.”

He moves—but only enough to stay in the same place. That image hits hard. How many of us have had moments where we’ve been busy turning… but not moving forward? Without diligence and discipline, our lives can become spiritually stagnant.

Laziness robs initiative (v. 15).

“The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.”

This is hyperbole, but the point stands: lazy people get worn out halfway through a task and don’t follow through. A project started but never finished. A commitment made but never honored. Leadership calls for finishers, not just starters.

Laziness breeds arrogance (v. 16).

Here’s the kicker—the sluggard actually thinks he’s wise. He believes he knows better than everyone else. That’s the most dangerous part of laziness: it masks itself as contentment or cleverness, but underneath it’s pride and fear. When we justify our inaction instead of owning it, we stop growing.

This passage is a mirror. It asks us not just, “Are you lazy?” but “Where are you making excuses, avoiding responsibility, or convincing yourself that doing nothing is smart?” Wisdom and leadership require effort, humility, and perseverance.

Word Study: Sluggard (עָצֵל, ‘atsel)

The Hebrew word ‘atsel refers to someone who is slothful, idle, or habitually lazy. It’s not a one-time thing—it’s a pattern of inaction wrapped in self-justification.

For leaders, ‘atsel is a clear warning: Laziness isn’t harmless—it’s corrosive, both to the leader and to those they influence.

Challenge

Reflect on where laziness or excuse-making might be creeping into your life.

1. Are there tasks, responsibilities, or goals you’ve been avoiding out of fear or comfort?

2. Are you justifying inaction by convincing yourself that your excuses are wise?

Write down one specific area where you will stop making excuses and take the next right step this week.

Leadership in Action

Consider how diligence and responsibility shape your leadership.

• Are you modeling follow-through and perseverance?

• Are there sluggard-like patterns—either in your own life or among your team—that need to be addressed?

Identify one leadership moment where you need to stop delaying and start moving. Make the call, start the task, or finish what you started—this week.

Prayer

Lord, expose any laziness in my heart. Show me where I’ve traded responsibility for comfort or made excuses instead of progress. Help me to lead with diligence, to work with integrity, and to follow through on what You’ve called me to do. Give me the humility to admit when I’ve fallen short and the strength to rise with renewed purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.