Proverbs 1:32
“…and the complacency of fools shall destroy them.”
I was doing a little bit of studying on this verse and I looked up the definition of complacent. Webster’s definition surprised me – the first definition was “self-satisfied” and the third was “unconcerned”.
I had never thought of this verse in this way. I had always just assumed complacent meant lazy. These definitions of the word shine a new light on it for me. When I think of someone who is self-satisfied, I think of someone who has accomplished something. A truly lazy person probably wouldn’t have much to be self-satisfied with, but what I am getting from this verse is that even if we have had accomplishments in the past, we can not rest on our laurels.
All roads lead to Rome
It reminds me of how Rome fell. It wasn’t because they were lazy – I am sure a lot of energy was spent becoming the powerhouse of the world that they were. But, they fell (some historians argue) because they became self-satisfied or complacent.
What does this mean for me?
I am always amazed at how quickly we can adapt to situations. You know the old story that a frog will jump out of a pot of boiling water, but will keep swimming if you increase the heat slowly? I am keeping my eyes open for the areas in my life where complacency may be setting in. I often find that if I am getting a bit too comfortable in an area, I might need to step it up a bit.
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I agree. If we think we’ve got things ‘together’ then it would serve us well to look again. Arrogance (a part of complacency) is blind to self-fault.
We should remember this as we strive with our goals and once the freedom of debt is achieved. I have met many people who strived to become debt free and then fell back into their old habits. I pray we do not fall complacent once our goals are met.
I agree also. Being complacent is one of those things that sneak up on us if we don’t stay alert. I will also keep my eyes open for those areas in my life where I may be slipping into complacency. I, also, think people get contentment and complacent confused as well.
Hi Bob,
I stumbled upon your site a few weeks ago and I have to confess, I think God sent me here. It has been a light in what has been a bit of a dark period of confusion and complacency. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and most of all spirit with us.
Have you ever considered being a personal life coach??? You’re good!
Happy 2009 and I look forward to reading and learning more from you! God bless.
@bella
thanks for the kind words – I hope you have a great ’09 too!
Complacency is a sneaky thing isn’t it?
This section of Proverbs says to me that there is wisdom out there and that if we are open and choose to seek it we will reap the benefits. It is the way to spiritual understanding.
I also think that sometimes we need others in our lives to remind us of the things we already know, but need to hear again in a different voice. Thanks for reminding me about complacency in my life.
That was interesting. I am glad you are passing the information along.
we can also become complacent if we are made to feel that we are the one in our little group that really have a going on, but I’m here to tell you that if you are the smartest in your group ,got the most going for yourself don’t get complacent ,your group has become to small for you. don’t box yourself in, always allow room for growth . you haven’t arrive you’ve stunted your view and need a nudge ,your attitude on life will determine your altitude in life.
When I think of complacent people I can name a number of celebrities that will have nothing to do with God. Why should they, if they are satisfied with all the money and fame and the world at their fingertips?! Truthfully, I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes for anything in the world. “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?” At the risk of sounding “preachy” – but who cares if you get the message- there is no rememberance of fame, glory or riches in the fiery pits of hell.
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