Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Idleness, in a biblical context, refers to a state of inactivity or laziness, often characterized by a lack of productive work or purpose. It is frequently associated with slothfulness and is considered a vice that can lead to various moral and spiritual pitfalls. The Bible addresses idleness in both the Old and New Testaments, warning against its dangers and encouraging diligence and industriousness. Old Testament References The Old Testament provides several insights into the consequences of idleness. In Proverbs, idleness is often linked with poverty and shame. Proverbs 6:9-11 admonishes, "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 highlights the inevitable outcome of idleness—poverty and want. Ecclesiastes also reflects on the futility of idleness. Ecclesiastes 10:18 states, "Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." This metaphor illustrates how neglect and inactivity can lead to deterioration and ruin. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of idleness, particularly in the context of Christian living and community. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , the Apostle Paul provides a direct command: "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat. Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living." Paul's instruction emphasizes the importance of work and self-sufficiency, discouraging believers from becoming burdens on others through idleness. The passage also warns against becoming "busybodies," suggesting that idleness can lead to meddling in others' affairs rather than focusing on one's responsibilities. Moral and Spiritual Implications Idleness is not merely a physical state but has moral and spiritual implications. It is often seen as a failure to steward one's time and talents effectively, which can lead to spiritual stagnation. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the expectation that individuals should use their God-given abilities productively. The servant who buried his talent out of fear and inactivity was rebuked and punished, demonstrating that idleness is contrary to God's desire for His people to be fruitful and industrious. Practical Applications The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a strong work ethic and to be diligent in their endeavors. Colossians 3:23 advises, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This verse underscores the principle that work should be done wholeheartedly as an act of service to God, not merely for human approval or gain. In summary, idleness is consistently portrayed in Scripture as a negative trait that leads to undesirable outcomes. Believers are called to reject idleness and embrace a life of purposeful activity, reflecting the industrious nature of God Himself. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The condition or quality of being idle (in the various senses of that word); uselessness; fruitlessness; triviality; inactivity; laziness.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia IDLE; IDLENESSi'-d'-l, i'-d'-l-nes: Both words, adjective and noun, render different Hebrew words (from `atsel, "to be lazy," raphah, "to relax," and shaqaT, "to be quiet"). According to the Yahwistic narrative Pharaoh's retort to the complaints of the Israelites was a charge of indolence (Exodus 5:8, 17). It was a favorite thought of Hebrew wisdom-practical philosophy of life-that indolence inevitably led to poverty and want (Proverbs 19:15 Ecclesiastes 10:18). The "virtuous woman" was one who would not eat the "bread of idleness" (Proverbs 31:27). In Ezekiel 16:49 for the King James Version "abundance of idleness," the Revised Version (British and American) has "prosperous ease." In the New Testament "idle" generally renders the Greek word argos, literally, "inactive," "useless" (Matthew 20:3, 6). In Luke 24:11 "idle talk" corresponds to one Greek word which means "empty gossip" or "nonsensical talk." Strong's Hebrew 6104. atsluth -- sluggishness... atsluth. 6105 . sluggishness. Transliteration: atsluth Phonetic Spelling: (ats-looth') Short Definition: idleness. ... idleness. Rom atsal; indolence -- idleness. ... /hebrew/6104.htm - 6k 8252. shaqat -- to be quiet or undisturbed 8220. shiphluth -- a sinking 2264. chibbuq -- a clasping, folding (of the hands) Library Song 20. Against Idleness and Mischief. Song 20. Against Idleness and Mischief. That Idleness is the Reason Why There are not Monasteries for ... Perniciousness of Idleness; Warning against the Empty Longing to ... That God's Lover Forsakes the World, Idleness and Irksomeness: and ... This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action ... Book Two He Concentrates Here on his Sixteenth Year, a Year of ... Silence Should not Remain Unbroken, nor Should it Arise from ... Of the Value of Work and the Harm of Idleness. Different Passages from the Writings of Solomon against Accidie. Thesaurus Idleness (4 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IDLE; IDLENESS. ... The "virtuous woman" was one who would not eat the "bread of idleness" (Proverbs 31:27). ... /i/idleness.htm - 9k Idle (33 Occurrences) Loaf (14 Occurrences) Industry (5 Occurrences) Sloth (3 Occurrences) Vacancy (3 Occurrences) Leaks (3 Occurrences) Leaketh (1 Occurrence) Idlers (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about idleness/being idle? | GotQuestions.orgIs “idle hands are the devil's workshop” a biblical statement? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10)? | GotQuestions.org Idleness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Idleness (4 Occurrences)2 Thessalonians 3:6 2 Thessalonians 3:11 Proverbs 31:27 Ecclesiastes 10:18 Subtopics Idleness and Sloth: Accompanied by Conceit Idleness and Sloth: Akin to Extravagance Idleness and Sloth: Effects of, Afford Instruction to Others Idleness and Sloth: False Excuses For Idleness and Sloth: Illustrated Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Bondage Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Disappointment Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Hunger Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Poverty Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Ruin Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Tattling and Meddling Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Want Idleness and Sloth: Produce Apathy Idleness and Sloth: Remonstrance Against Idleness and Sloth: Thessalonians Idleness: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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