Don’t Delay—Discipline Begins with Urgency Proverbs 6:4–5: by Feranmi Ayeni

"Give no [unnecessary] sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; Tear yourself away like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter..."

Lesson:
Uche kept telling himself he had time. Like many of us, he was caught in the trap of comfortable procrastination. The passage urges readers to "tear yourself away"—a vivid call to break free from ease before it captures you completely.

2. Learn from the Ant—Be Self-Motivated and Forward-Looking
Proverbs 6:6–8:

"Go to the ant, O lazy one; Observe her ways and be wise... She prepares her food in the summer And brings in her provisions in the harvest."
Lesson:
Amina represents the ant—diligent, focused, and quietly preparing without supervision. She doesn’t wait for pressure or panic. Uche, on the other hand, learns the hard way that ideas without preparation are just empty hopes. The ant teaches foresight and quiet consistency.

3. Laziness is Subtle but Dangerous
Proverbs 6:9–10:

“How long will you lie down, O lazy one? When will you arise from your sleep?... A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to lie down and rest—”
Lesson:
Uche’s pattern wasn’t rooted in overt rebellion—it was “just one more episode,” “just five more minutes,” “I’ll start tomorrow.” This slow decline is exactly what the proverb warns against: laziness doesn’t always come as loud rebellion—it often comes softly, dressed in comfort.

4. Poverty and Need Come Suddenly—Though the Path is Slow
Proverbs 6:11:

“So your poverty will come like an approaching prowler... and your need like an armed man.”
Lesson:
The result of Uche’s inaction was public failure and missed opportunity. He didn’t see the consequences building—but they arrived quickly, and he was unprepared. Proverbs describes this consequence vividly—as a prowler, quiet but sure; as an armed man, overpowering.

5. Redemption Begins with Reflection and Change
While not a direct quote from Proverbs 6, Uche’s turning point shows a final, vital lesson: wisdom is still available for the one who’s willing to listen and change. After hearing the Proverbs, he begins rebuilding—slowly but steadily.