"Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him" (II Corinthians 5:9).

"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.

"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!" (Psalm 139:17).

"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 rebukes 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).