Do not indulge in idleness

"Do not indulge in idleness" – Nehemiah 4:23 When Judah's enemies lost the element of surprise (the basic part of a whole) they abandoned their plan and decided to attack them directly. From that day on, half of the people "worked on the construction site" and "the other half" were on guard. Even "those who built" had their arms on. The people could think that the enemies had failed and so they went back to work, but they were not "quite confident enough to lay down their arms."

I. Nehemiah always had the trumpet blower near him.

A. The other half were with weapons spears, shields, bows and breastplates.

1. The trumpet to sound the alarm in case of attack and to be able to "gather" the men who were scattered along the wall.

2. Those who came from outside the city were commanded to spend "the night" in Jerusalem; they would then be readily available if a hazard presented itself.

3. His strategy (plan) was to "pray, watch, and work; pray (Nehemiah 4:5; watch 4:21-22; work 4:21.

4. The people imitated the courage and determination of their indomitable leader (brave, he does not allow himself to be tamed (tamed, restrained).

5. Nehemiah, his relatives, his servants, and the people on guard who accompanied him did not indulge in idleness (rest) while they watched over the city.

6. (Proverbs 10:4) The lazy (idle, listless, slow) and careless person reaps poverty, but the one who is diligent and strong triumphs.

7. The brave, daring one with a big heart and spirit.

8. (Proverbs 13:4) If desires were horses, the poor would ride.

9. The lazy has great desires, but that is not enough.

10. Desire without effort is useless.

11. The diligent one applies himself to his work and brings home the fruits.

12. This truth applies in both spiritual and temporal matters.

13. Bosch illustrates it as follows: a.) Adam Clark spent 40 years writing his commentary on the Scriptures. b.) Noah Webster (Oct. 16, 1758 – April 28, 1843) worked for 26 years composing his dictionary: in fact, he crossed the ocean twice to make the book completely accurate. Recognized as the father of U.S. schooling and education.

14. The happiest and most productive people are those who are diligent (quick, diligent, prompt, effective) in their labors, for the good of "the human race" and the glory of God; Therein lies the secret, to do good to those who need it at that precise moment.

15. It is not showing, pretending, demanding, it is that which is seasoned with love, dedication and it is better not to show off, or to show one's face.

16. (Proverbs 22:29) The solicitous (diligent, helpful, kind, attentive) man in his work will be promoted to a position of honor.

17. You don't have to demand it, nor claim, it will say this about you: diligent, helpful, kind, attentive, it means it does not seek it, nor does it demand it, nor do you claim it (demanding, asking, demanding) is that it is something that flows from love, from serving, from praying, to love, dedication is that it flows because it is innate = it is not acquired by experience, nor that you deserve it and demand it. It is knowing how to cry, worry, dedication, it is the passion that comes from love and dedication; it is not for the one who wills but for the one whom God gives it, nor for the one who runs.

18. It would not serve those of low condition (low = diminutive, diminishment) condition = low character.

19. This reminds us again that the cream always comes out and we can see it in the lives of Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Nehemiah.

20. The heights which the great men reached by a sudden leap (quick, sharp, fast) they did not attain, but while the rest of them slept, they at night toiled and climbed. Amen.