“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9)

“As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.” (Proverbs 26:14)

This is one of the more colorful of numerous colorful verses in the book of Proverbs which rebuke the sin of laziness. Note a few of the others:

“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:30-31)

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” (Psalm 119:71)

This seems like a strange testimony. Affliction is often accompanied by complaining or discouragement, but seldom by a statement of satisfaction and thankfulness, such as in our text for today.

“Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.” (Genesis 5:2)