So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Laziness, repeated indulgence in sleep, neglect and idleness bring poverty and want that come swiftly, suddenly and overpoweringly, like a traveler approaching and like an armed man. The surrounding picture of a neglected field shows how sloth leaves work undone until ruin follows. The warning applies to wasting morning hours and daylight in sleep, to lack of discipline and failure to finish work, and to squandering precious time instead of actively using human faculties. Diligence in ordinary work belongs to true religion, while idleness brings harm.
Folding the hands stands for spiritual sleep, describing those who know the truth and say the final message of mercy is now going to the world yet remain inactive in Christian help work, while others who live up to all the light they have labor actively and would do far more if they understood the truth. The image of sudden overpowering arrival like an armed man also fits sleep itself overtaking a person who has deprived himself of needed rest by excessive study and work. So it was when J. N. Andrews was overcome during meetings and important occasions and left unable to stay alert or work when his body demanded sleep. The image of forceful arrival like an armed man also fits the sudden onset of bitter cold that hemmed a family in and delayed their move to a new home.
Laziness, repeated indulgence in sleep, neglect and idleness bring poverty and want that come swiftly, suddenly and overpoweringly, like a traveler approaching and like an armed man. The surrounding picture of a neglected field shows how sloth leaves work undone until ruin follows. The warning applies to wasting morning hours and daylight in sleep, to lack of discipline and failure to finish work, and to squandering precious time instead of actively using human faculties. Diligence in ordinary work belongs to true religion, while idleness brings harm.
Folding the hands stands for spiritual sleep, describing those who know the truth and say the final message of mercy is now going to the world yet remain inactive in Christian help work, while others who live up to all the light they have labor actively and would do far more if they understood the truth. The image of sudden overpowering arrival like an armed man also fits sleep itself overtaking a person who has deprived himself of needed rest by excessive study and work. So it was when J. N. Andrews was overcome during meetings and important occasions and left unable to stay alert or work when his body demanded sleep. The image of forceful arrival like an armed man also fits the sudden onset of bitter cold that hemmed a family in and delayed their move to a new home.