I just read the other day how taking naps is supposed to be good for your brain and your health and your memory... I wonder if there are any companies out there who allow employees to nap? For a healthier society, it may be a good idea. But we fight a strong tradition that manifested itself in modern times through what has been termed the "Protestant work ethic". It draws on the notion of this proverb and encourages us to live lives of thrift and productivity through hard work. Problem is, I don't know if as individuals, we're all that more productive. But I don't think we're sleeping too much. We more likely suffer from sleep deprivation.
I'm not sure that we have become a lazy society, but we have certainly become a distracted one. Maybe we should paraphrase this proverb and substitute a word like "veg"... as we "veg out" in front of the tv, computer, and have our heads in our phones throughout the day. I can't remember the last time I took a nap. But whenever it was, I'm sure it wasn't productive.
Readings: Jeremiah 12:1-14:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:9; Psalm 79:1-13; Proverbs 24:30-34
