Ezekiel Kimosop Supporter

If everything depends on God, what's the use of trying? (Psalm 127:1-2)

Psalm 127:1-2 says "Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep." (NKJV). 

Does this Scripture teach or imply that everything depends on God and that human responsibility is immaterial in life? What exactly is the writer teaching in this context? 

This text of Scripture is meant to underscore the significance of trusting in God for His providence in life even as we productively apply our diligence and skills. It does not imply that men have no role to play in pursuing or engaging in productive ventures such as farming business or other professional callings. It also recognises that it is entirely by God's blessings that we can achieve meaningful and lasting success in life. We should therefore be grateful that through God's blessings, we can achieve success in our daily life engagements. 

Paul condemned laziness among the Thessalonian Christian community saying "But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread." (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, NKJV). 

This warning applies to all Christian communities in all ages. God expects us to diligently apply our skills, talents, and abilities to engage in meaningful income generation activities. 

Elsewhere in Scripture, laziness is condemned. Proverbs 6:6-11 says "Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,
7 Which, having no captain,
Overseer or ruler,
8 Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.
9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep—
11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man." (NKJV).

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Donna Williams Supporter

Dear Anonymous, I believe King Solomon is teaching us that God is sovereign, and all glory goes to Him!

As believers, we are to totally rely and depend on Him for everything. We work with Him in accordance to His will.

God does not want us to rely on our self effort. For He says in Zechariah 4:6, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts".

All things are accomplished by the power of God's Spirit!

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