Thoughts on the topic of sleep from the book of wisdom.
Scientists have studied sleep and have yet to come to a conclusion as to what it exactly is. In my brief research, I find references to the mystery of sleep.
Most, but not all studies, suggest sleep is for the brain, and not necessarily the body, which surprises me, but then again many things surprise me!
One of the current findings is that sleep impacts cognitive abilities, or the brains abilities to process the acquiring of knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and the senses.
Whatever sleep is, it is spoken of in the proverbs as to it’s benefits and it’s possible abuse. As one who abuses this blessing, by taking an afternoon nap occasionally, I find the following passages worthy of considering.
3:24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
This is the only verse in the book of Proverbs that addresses sleep without a warning attached. It is good to see that the context of this verse is Solomon’s exhortation to keep sound wisdom and discretion. A fearlessness and a sweet sleep are the partners of a soul that seeks the Lord’s wisdom and direction.
This may be an indicator of why the sleep industry is so large in the modern world, for we must admit that some who suffer from a deprivation of sleep are those who have abandoned the wisdom of God for their lives. Many factors may come into play regarding a short term lack of sleep, but if we seek the wisdom of God, a sweet sleep will be one of many rewards.
Have I mentioned how I love a good nap! So sweet!!!
Proverbs 6:10-11 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
And yet that love of sleep can be easily abused.
There have been times when I have known a task was required but the call of the comforters took me away. I cannot claim I know of any specific poverty that has taken me over, for the Lord is a Merciful and Kind Master, but I do realize if I succumb to the sweet, sweet horizontal position too much, many time sensitive tasks will be lost, goals will be missed, and things may simply fall apart, allowing poverty to pounce on our lives.
Our verse speaks of poverty, and the Word speaks of slothfulness in similar manner. For those interested, I have provided a discussion on that topic in four previous posts (See Proverbial Thoughts on Sluggards – A, B, C and D)
Back to the topic of sleep. To be drawn into a deep sleep, even now, sounds so tempting, and yet the day has been a busy one, one filled with tasks taken on and completed. I do not consider my day as characterized by slothfulness, but on the occasional day when I have few tasks ahead, (or purposedly avoid tasks), I will confess to the sweet allure of a nap.
Yet I sense this verse is not speaking of the occasional down day, when a nap may be a simple blessing of the Lord. Rest is an important gift the Lord has provided. No, this verse is speaking of a soul that is characterized by slothfulness, a sluggard, a man who works hard avoiding work!
Those who are lazy, are drawn to sleep to avoid many things, to escape the reality of their own choices. Slothfulness degrades the soul, and the soul wants to avoid this reality. Sleep provides this escape.
20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
I leave this short post on sleep with wise words for those who may love sleep just a bit too much. As a lover of naps myself, this short verse reminds me that sleep has a purpose for us, but to be satisfied in life, sleep cannot be the focus of our being. It is simply a blessing from the Lord to enjoy, to reinvigorate our bodies and brains and to provide a fresh start in honoring the Lord the next day.
It is late tonight, and I will leave my gentle reader with those thoughts. I am off to visit with my wifey, to have a chance to review the day, and to nod off for a few hours before one more day.
Have a great day in the Lord, and enjoy the rest he provides!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Considering the Bible 