Who doesn’t like a fun party or leisure activity?! Especially if it’s with people we like and enjoy. However, we can’t have a party or vacation every day. In fact, if we started every day with a party, how much work would get done? However, if we get all our work done first, then we can truly relax and enjoy a celebration.
Over the summer, the kids complained about having to get their reading, flashcards, exercise and piano practice all done first before they could watch part of a movie. In fact, sometimes they asked if they could go ahead and watch something for a little bit and then finish their tasks later. However, I knew that wouldn’t work well and they would be less motivated to complete their work after their leisure time.
Solomon highlighted the danger of leisure before labor.
Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 Woe to the land whose king was a
servant
and whose princes feast in the morning.
17 Blessed
is the land whose king is of noble birth
and whose princes eat at a proper time—
for strength and not for drunkenness.
I think Solomon is talking about pleasureful feasting and celebration BEFORE the work is done. The person who became a king young or after formerly being a servant might not understand their responsibility and abuse their privilege. However, someone who learned from an early age to take their responsibility seriously, understands not every meal is a luxury. Most meals are for nourishment and not parties every day. They diligently work hard and celebrate at appropriate times.
What about you and me? What labor project do we need to be diligent to
complete, and save our leisure time until after it’s done?
