In the context of biblical teachings, the term "busy-bodies" refers to individuals who engage in meddling or unnecessary interference in the affairs of others. This behavior is generally viewed negatively in Scripture, as it often leads to discord and disrupts the peace and order within a community or church.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Thessalonians 3:11 : "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies." In this passage, the Apostle Paul addresses the Thessalonian church, warning against idleness and the tendency of some to become busy-bodies. Paul emphasizes the importance of leading a disciplined life, working quietly, and minding one's own business.

2. 1 Timothy 5:13 : "At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they should not." Here, Paul advises Timothy on the behavior of certain younger widows who, instead of being productive, become idle and engage in gossip and meddling. This behavior is discouraged as it leads to unnecessary strife and distraction from godly living.

3. 1 Peter 4:15 : "Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler." The Apostle Peter includes being a meddler, or busy-body, alongside more severe sins such as murder and theft. This highlights the seriousness with which such behavior is viewed in the Christian community.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the behavior of busy-bodies is contrary to the Christian virtues of love, humility, and self-control. Meddling in the affairs of others often stems from pride or a lack of contentment with one's own life. It can lead to gossip, slander, and division, which are antithetical to the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ.

Practical Considerations:

Christians are encouraged to focus on their own responsibilities and to work diligently, as seen in Paul's exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 : "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we instructed you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." By doing so, believers can maintain a good testimony before others and contribute positively to the community.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

The warnings against being a busy-body serve as a reminder of the importance of personal integrity and respect for others' privacy. Christians are called to build each other up and to avoid actions that could lead to unnecessary conflict or harm. By focusing on their own walk with God and serving others in love, believers can avoid the pitfalls associated with being busy-bodies.4020. periergazomai -- to waste one's labor about (a thing)
... Word Origin from peri and ergazomai Definition to waste one's labor about (a thing)
NASB Word Usage acting like busybodies (1). be a busybody. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4020.htm - 7k

4021. periergos -- overly careful, curious, meddling, subst. a ...
... Word Origin from peri and ergon Definition overly careful, curious, meddling,
subst. a busybody NASB Word Usage busybodies (1), magic (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4021.htm - 7k

1 Timothy v. 15-Nov
... They naturally become idlers, tattlers, and busybodies. ... but that there should be
no adulteresses, that none should be idle, busy-bodies, speaking things that ...
/.../homily xv 1 timothy v.htm

2 Thessalonians iii. 5-Mar
... Ver.11. "For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all,
but are busybodies.". ... "That work not at all, but are busybodies. ...
/.../homily v 2 thessalonians iii.htm

Christ Compared with Socrates.
... were more ancient than Christ, when they attempted to consider and prove things
by reason, were brought before the tribunals as impious persons and busybodies. ...
/.../chapter x christ compared with socrates.htm

First Then we Ought to Demonstrate that the Blessed Apostle Paul ...
... let him not eat. For we have heard that certain among you walk unquietly,
working not at all, but being busy-bodies. Now them that ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 4 first then we.htm

That, Namely, Befalleth them which in Undisciplined Younger Widows ...
... in undisciplined younger widows, the same Apostle saith must be avoided: "And withal
they learn to be idle; and not only idle, but also busy bodies and full of ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 26 that namely befalleth.htm

How Heretics, Craftily Cite Obscure Passages in Ancient Writers in ...
... is gain," [452] "withal learning to be idle, wandering about from house to house,
and not only idle, but tattlers also and busy-bodies, speaking things which ...
/.../the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter vii how heretics craftily.htm

Laboring under Difficulties
... It was of this class that he afterward wrote: "There are some which walk among
you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 33 laboring under difficulties.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... Christ also received us to the glory of God, not to doubtful disputations.' 'Withdraw
from them that walk disorderly, working not; but busy bodies; unless with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

Rom. xiv. 25-27
... account. For we ought not with things of this nature to act as busybodies,
but to be well pleased and content with them. Wherefore ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvii rom xiv 25-27.htm

Galatians.
... behaviour and of doctrine, and the conceit of worldly knowledge; in the second,
the love of the brethren side by side with the disorderly conduct of busybodies ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/galatians.htm

Busybodies (2 Occurrences)
...Busybodies (2 Occurrences). 2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear of some who walk among
you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies. ...
/b/busybodies.htm - 7k

Busy-bodies (2 Occurrences)
Busy-bodies. Busybodies, Busy-bodies. Busybody . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Busybodies, Busy-bodies. Busybody . Reference Bible.
/b/busy-bodies.htm - 7k

Busybody (3 Occurrences)
... bod-i (periergos, allotrioepiskopos): The word is found twice in Paulinic literature.:
1 Timothy 5:13, "not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies," and 2 ...
/b/busybody.htm - 8k

Busy (13 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear of some who walk among you in
rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies. (Root ...
/b/busy.htm - 10k

Idle (33 Occurrences)
... 2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some of you who live disorderly
lives and are mere idle busybodies. (WEY RSV NIV). ...
/i/idle.htm - 18k

Undisciplined (3 Occurrences)
... NAS). 2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion,
who don't work at all, but are busybodies. (See NAS). ...
/u/undisciplined.htm - 7k

Gadding (1 Occurrence)
... idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and
busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (See RSV). ...
/g/gadding.htm - 6k

Gossips (5 Occurrences)
... house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things
which they ought not. (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). 2 Timothy ...
/g/gossips.htm - 7k

Withal (38 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house;
and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things ...
/w/withal.htm - 18k

Wandering (120 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house;
and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things ...
/w/wandering.htm - 37k

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