Proverbs 31:18
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
There are many character traits that should be pointed out about the virtuous woman, but one of her greatest traits was her work ethic. Though she was a mother who had to care for her children, and a wife that made sure her husband’s needs were met, she still found time to get work done, even if she had to work through the night. This virtuous woman was not a lazy person. She was industrious, and when what needed to get done was not yet accomplished, late in the night you could see her candle burning through the window of her house as she worked late into the night.
I often hear people talk about how busy they are, but it is amazing how much time they have to scroll through their social media accounts, run around with their friends, and watch television. All of this is time that could be used to work. Not only is there much time wasted on entertainment, there are still the evening hours when work can be done. The work ethic of most people is lacking. You will never find a productive person who works only eight-hour days. Those who are the most productive and successful in society use the early morning and late night hours to work. Let me share some thoughts about having a good work ethic.
First, you cannot love to play and accomplish much work at the same time. You can play, but you won't achieve. Achievement is accomplished through hard work and long hours of working. When fun is the only thing that determines what you put your mind to, you will find poverty will be your plight. God made mankind to work and not play, and you will always feel more fulfilled after a day of work than you ever will after a day of play.
Second, the early morning hours are a great time to work. I find my most productive time of the day is in the early mornings. Most people are not up at that time, which allows me to get more work done. I am an early morning riser, and I would imagine I get more work done before eight in the morning than most people get done all day long. You will find by rising early, your mind is the freshest and the most productive time to think. Use the early morning hours to work; you will always get more done if you develop this trait in your life.
Third, the late night hours must be used when you need to finish getting things done. This virtuous woman knew she had to work late into the night to get her responsibilities done. I am not saying that it needs to be a nightly thing, but you will find many hours must be spent at night finishing tasks that must be accomplished. One thing I am very certain of is if you work into the night, you won't have time to get into trouble. Instead of wasting money or getting into trouble, use those night hours to accomplish tasks that must get done instead of putting them off until the next day.
Fourth, let sleep aid your work ethic. Don't live to sleep, but sleep so you can live and work. You will have a poor work ethic if you sleep long hours. I think most people can live on seven hours of rest. You need rest, and a little nap in the middle of the day will give you energy, but don't be a sluggard who sleeps many hours and late into the morning. Use the daylight to work, and you will find you will get better rest at night. God blesses those who work hard, but working hard is a choice you develop by character.
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