Shameless sluggards
Many people are sluggards or laggards, and lazy. The Bible describes four qualities of sluggards. (Proverbs 26:13-16) The four are an excellent analysis or diagnosis of the mind of a sluggard who gives excuses and even blames others for their pitiable status.
Lion in the road It is an excuse for imagined or perceived dangers. Lions do not roam the streets; they roam in jungles. It is also being over-cautious. Some people hate discomfort and pain; hence, they invent reasons for not performing their mandate and call. Allergic to risk, being stagnant, and a lack of progress. Leadership is an adventure of faith. Always, adventures have risks.
A door turns on its hinges: Some people prefer to go on borrowed, worn-out tracks on roads. They are stuck in daily routines. They seem to be very busy, but not productive. Activity is not a synonym of progress. Sadly, they do not know the difference between busyness and productivity. If busyness is not leading to fruitfulness, it is like a door that turns on its hinges, not moving forward. Productivity, Fruitfulness, and progress are evidence of effective leadership.
Cannot bring his hand to his mouth: Good intentions are not good decisions. Good ideas are useless unless executed. Many start good projects, but never complete them, like New Year’s resolutions. Yes, there could be half-written articles, or books with just outlines, or incomplete projects. It is a discipline to start and finish well. Those who lack perseverance could end up as sluggards.
Wiser in his own eyes: The sluggard always compares himself with others. He mutters, “I can do better than him or her.” With an attitude of arrogance, a sluggard dismisses the good achievements of others. Sometimes, sluggards blame the context, environment, and methods, but never act. Some sluggards live in self-deception, stating that it is not the right time, and wait endlessly for an appropriate time. A sluggard hides or masks his incompetence and inability by criticizing others or blaming certain things.