This is a Persian proverb: ‘He who learns but does not practice is like he who ploughs but does not sow’. If knowledge is not applied and used for a noble purpose, then there is no worth in learning.
Reading the Bible: The Apostle James says it is foolish to look into the mirror, observe flaws, and not correct oneself. (James 1:22-25) With modern technology, reading the Bible is like going through CT and MRI scans. Human sinfulness is thoroughly exposed. If the person does not repent, he ploughs but does not sow to reap a harvest.
Renewal of mind: Reading the Bible and absorbing the biblical truths and deleting traditions and trends that contradict the Scripture results in the renewal of the mind. If a person does not delete non-biblical ideas, they will be like a farmer who ploughs but never sows the seed.
Good works: The Bible prepares and equips a believer to do every good work. (II Timothy 3:15-17) It is no wonder that many Christians and organizations are involved in doing good works in the community. Doing good work is like ploughing; that is not enough. It is essential to sow the seed, the gospel. Good works should help people to get a desire or a quest to know the God of those who do good.
Growth of weeds: When a field is ploughed and left, it provides opportunities for weeds to grow rapidly. For example, in many places, the missionaries went and taught the people to read and write. However, they were not given godly, useful books. Meanwhile, junk literature and unbiblical and false narratives were published and distributed. The people got a negative attitude towards Christians and were not grateful for the gift of reading and writing.
Fertile fields: Ploughed fields ought to be fertile; hence, a Sower must sow with diligence, hope, and expectation. Then they could reap 30-, 60-, and 100-fold harvests. (Matthew 13:8,23) Those who give up after ploughing, forgetting or ignoring sowing, will be losers.
Do I plough, plant, and water diligently, expecting God to give increase?