Proverbs 22:13

The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”

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True story: When my kids were younger, we took them to the zoo. At the end of the day, crowds started gathering by the lion enclosure. Somebody said, “Stick around—he’s about to roar.” So we waited.

Eventually, the lion stood up, stretched, began to warm up with quick bark like growls, and then…roared! And when he did, the vibration of his roar went through me…It pierced the air—shook my bones, and for a split second paralyzed my soul. I strapped my kids into the stroller and practically ran out of the zoo!

Look, a lion is no joke. And that was a domesticated lion in the zoo, what do you do with a wild hungry lion? A wild hungry lion hunts. It pounces. It kills. It eats.

So when Proverbs 22:13 says, “The lazy person claims, ‘There is a lion out there! I shall be killed in the streets!’” —I get that.

But here’s the tragedy: the lazy person hasn’t even faced the lion. They’re paralyzed not by danger, but by the idea of danger. They don’t prep. They don’t plan. They don’t move. Fear forges a strategy of avoidance, not a plan of action.

That’s the difference between instinct and intellect.

Lions have instinct. Humans have instinct and intellect.

So here’s the edge you have that the lion doesn’t: As a human—homo sapien—you were literally named “the wise one.” (Yes, "sapiens" comes from Latin “sapere,” meaning to think, to be wise.)

You're not just a creature who reacts. You’re a being who can reason. Who can plan. Who can strategize.

Let’s keep it a buck: Instinct tells the lion: hunt. Instinct tells the human: run or hide. But intellect says: wait—how do I outthink this? How do I fight back?

Instinct reacts. Intellect reflects and responds.

Instinct says: stay inside. Intellect says: step out with a strategy, cause you gotta eat too.

The lazy person doesn’t just fear the lion—she forfeits her divine edge: her God-given mind. That’s the real loss here.

There’s a whole world of purpose, promise, and provision on the other side of your front door. The opportunity won’t come inside—you’ve got to outthink the fear and walk forward.

So BECAUSE there’s a lion outside, the diligent person says:

Then I better train. I better build. I better move smarter.

BECAUSE there’s a lion outside:

I better armor up in courage—

I gotta surround myself with a circle of lion hunters and lion eaters!

Because there’s a lion outside! And if there’s a lion outside... Then I’ve got a reason to rise.

Don’t make it easy for the lion. Outsmart it. Outwork it. Outlast it.

Prayer

God, guide my thoughts, my circle, and my courage today.

Today’s Challenge

Identify one ‘lion’ that’s keeping you inside. Now ask: What would wisdom do here? Use your mind, your circle, and your discipline to move forward today—one strategic step at a time.

About the Author

Fred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch

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Be Wise and Be Well...peace.

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