Definition and Context:
Dallying refers to the act of wasting time or engaging in frivolous or idle activities. In a biblical context, it often implies a lack of seriousness or commitment, particularly in spiritual or moral matters. The Bible frequently warns against idleness and encourages believers to be diligent and purposeful in their actions.

Biblical References and Themes:

1. Proverbs on Idleness:
The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the dangers of idleness and the importance of diligence. Proverbs 6:9-11 states, "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit." This passage warns against the consequences of dallying and encourages a proactive approach to life.

2. The Parable of the Talents:
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, which illustrates the importance of using one's gifts and time wisely. The servant who buried his talent instead of investing it is reprimanded for his laziness and lack of initiative. This parable underscores the expectation that believers should not dally but rather be industrious and faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to them.

3. New Testament Exhortations:
The New Testament contains numerous exhortations to avoid idleness and to be active in faith and good works. In 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 , Paul addresses the issue directly: "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of productive work and warns against the dangers of dallying.

4. Spiritual Diligence:
The Bible also speaks to the need for spiritual diligence. In Ephesians 5:15-16 , Paul advises, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This passage encourages believers to make the most of their time and to live wisely, avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual dallying.

5. Moral and Ethical Implications:
Dallying can also have moral and ethical implications, as it may lead to temptation and sin. In 1 Timothy 5:13 , Paul warns about young widows who "learn to be idle, going from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not." This highlights how idleness can lead to negative behaviors and distract from a life of holiness.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to be vigilant and purposeful in their daily lives, avoiding the temptation to dally. This involves being diligent in work, faithful in spiritual practices, and intentional in relationships. By doing so, Christians can honor God with their time and resources, fulfilling their calling to be productive and faithful servants.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Dally.

Church Abuses.
... The most effective cry which the Whigs could raise against the Tories was, that
they were imperilling the Church by dallying with France and Rome; the most ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter viii church abuses.htm

Phrases for Talkers
... austerity of demeanor Ostentation and lavish expenditure A person of exquisite tact
Intolerant of bumptiousness The obvious danger of dallying This was grossly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/phrases for talkers.htm

The Christian Race.
... and when death comes, away thou must go, whether thou art provided or not; and
therefore look to it"make no delays"it is not good dallying with things of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiii the christian race.htm

The Big Road
... You must not stay sleeping or dallying there in the house, though you built
it, or though it has been built for you." WALT WHITMAN. ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter ii the big road.htm

Ahab and Elijah
... The lesson of that is, my friend,"Weak dallying with forbidden desires is sure
to end in wicked clutching at them. Young men, take care! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ahab and elijah.htm

Children and Childlike Men
... to them. And we may add too: the absence of intellectual pride; the absence
of the habit of dallying with moral truth. Everybody ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/children and childlike men.htm

Set at Liberty.
... precious blood. There may be sin, also, in dallying with temptation, in not
anticipating its advent at a further distance. But, after ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiv set at liberty.htm

Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
... ended; and when death comes, away thou must go, whether thou art provided or not;
and therefore look to it; make no delays; it is not good dallying with things ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bunyan the heavenly footman.htm

The Evil and Its Remedy
... Once on a time, you were playing with your lusts, and dallying with your sin, and
it pleased God to open your eyes to see that sin is exceeding sinful. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the evil and its remedy.htm

Book ii Then for a While She Held Her Peace. ...
... But I cannot bear this dallying so softly, so long as you complain that your happiness
lacks aught, so long as you are full of sorrow and care. ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book ii then for a.htm

Dallying (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Dally. Multi-Version
Concordance Dallying (1 Occurrence). Genesis 26:8 And it came ...
/d/dallying.htm - 6k

Rebecca (28 Occurrences)
... when he had been there some time, that Abimelech the king of the Philistines looked
out of the window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was dallying with Rebecca his ...
/r/rebecca.htm - 14k

Dalmanutha (1 Occurrence)

/d/dalmanutha.htm - 7k

Dally

/d/dally.htm - 7k

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