Proverbs 22:13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!”
This proverb makes me laugh! I suppose, long ago, there were lions around in the land of Israel. Even then it was a bit far-fetched to make as an excuse for doing nothing the possibility that a lion might get you! The thought sits together with the child’s game of not treading on the cracks in pavements (a bear will get you)! Solomon appears to be suggesting that an excuse for laziness, a reason for doing nothing, is fear. Fear of failure maybe?
Am I afraid to serve God ? Afraid to witness? Afraid to pray out loud ….. There is no lion! Do you think God will put you down when you are doing your best for Him? The lion is our own fear and pride.