Hello Friends,

My husband was preaching on “the sloth” from the book of Proverbs a few months ago and I have felt convicted ever since he read through this passage:

“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.” Proverbs 24:30-34

It prompted a question in my mind that I have considered and would like to ask you as well…

What is the state of your vineyards and fields right now?

We may not have literal fields and vineyards to tend to, but many of us have husbands, children, and a home that God has given us to steward. 

If we are slothful in our work as wives, mothers, and homemakers, it will begin to show in our “fields” and “vineyards.” We will find ourselves pricked by annoying little thorns in our relationship with our husband. The weeds will begin to grow in the hearts of our children, and the overall state of our home will begin to suffer as well.

There may be seasons in life when we cannot tend to things as thoroughly as usual (seasons of pregnancy, postpartum, sickness, etc.). But if we cannot properly manage our “fields” and “vineyards” while going through the normal course of life, it may be time to take a good hard look at our priorities and our time management.

Here are some things to consider:

• Am I being slothful?
• Am I sleeping longer than physically necessary?
• Am I wasting time on things that shouldn’t be a priority in my life?
• Am I putting other people before my husband and children?
• Am I neglecting my home out of laziness, lack of planning, or disorganization?

These are not easy questions to ask ourselves, but they are necessary.

Perhaps, you have considered these questions and realize that yes, you have been a bit slothful in the care and keeping of your home and family. I imagine that most of us are from time to time. 

If you would like to begin weeding out the slothfulness in your heart and home, here are some steps you can take.

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Weeding Out Slothfulness in Our Hearts and Homes

Talk with the Lord

The Lord gave us our homes and families so (of course!) we should be able to talk to Him about them! Tell the Lord about any struggles you have with slothfulness or misplaced priorities. Ask Him for wisdom to manage your home and family well. 

Begin each day by asking the Lord to help you be diligent and use your time wisely.

Talk with Your Husband

Your husband is the head of your home, therefore he should be given much say in how it is managed and how your children are taught. If you’ve made it a habit to run your home and train your children without giving deference to your husband, I would encourage you to change that. Communicate often with your husband… find out his goals and desires for your home. Ask him if there are specific things he would like to you to work on or manage better. 

Is it easy to have our husbands point out any faults or failings on our part? No! But what other person knows and loves you better? 

Study What God’s Word Says About Diligence

There is a lot in God’s Word about diligence. Especially in the book of Proverbs. I would encourage you to take some time to do a little topical study or simply dwell on some of the verses in the Bible that talk about diligence vs. slothfulness, hard work, etc. If you’re not sure where to start, go to the book of Proverbs. 

Here are some specific passages you may want to look up and consider:

• Proverbs 6:6-8
• Proverbs 10:4
• Proverbs 11:27
• Proverbs 12:24
• Proverbs 13:4
• Proverbs 22:29
• Galatians 6:9
• 1 Corinthians 15:58

Make Some Goals

Based on prayer, Scripture, and your husbands recommendations, begin making a list of some goals you have for your home and family. What needs to improve? What do you need to work on in your life personally? What new routines could you implement for the family? What additional training needs be done with your children? 

Start with a small list of goals and pray over them. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and the diligence needed to follow through.

Commit to Learning

One of the best things you can do as a wife, mom, and homemaker is to continue growing. If you have (or had) a career, you understand the importance of always growing and improving in your line of work. Well the same ought to be true for those of us who have been blessed with homes and families to care for. It’s much more than a full-time job to love and care for a husband, children, and a busy household!

Commit to learning all you need to learn to be the best wife, mother, and homemaker you can be. Don’t ever stop learning and growing. 

Do the Work with a Happy Heart

Last but not least, do the work with a happy heart. Nothing will bless your home more than a joyful wife, mother, and homemaker. You set the tone of the home… you have been given unique roles to fill with unique work involved, do it will joy!

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Recommended Reading

There are quite a few books that have been an encouragement to me as a wife, mama, and homemaker. However, there is one book I return to again and again for sound wisdom and practical advice from a biblical perspective. My book is called Large Family Logistics which is unfortunately out of print and hard to find, but it has been updated and re-published as Home Management Plain and Simple. This book has provided a handy blueprint for me on many occasions when I have felt overwhelmed with managing my home and family! May it encourage you as well. 

I Would Love to Hear from You!

Please leave a comment below and share something you learned from today’s post – or perhaps, what you would like to begin working on in your home!