The term "idly" refers to actions performed without purpose, diligence, or productivity. In the context of the Bible, idleness is often associated with laziness, neglect of duty, and a lack of spiritual fervor. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against idleness, emphasizing the importance of diligence and purposeful living in accordance with God's will.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 19:15 : "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This verse highlights the consequences of idleness, suggesting that it leads to poverty and unmet needs. The wisdom literature of Proverbs frequently contrasts the diligent with the lazy, urging believers to pursue hard work and responsibility.

2. Ecclesiastes 10:18 : "Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." Here, idleness is depicted as leading to decay and destruction. The imagery of a neglected house serves as a metaphor for the broader consequences of failing to maintain one's responsibilities.

3. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 : "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." The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of idleness in the early church, emphasizing the principle that work is essential for sustenance and community well-being. He warns against becoming a "busybody," someone who meddles in others' affairs without contributing meaningfully.

4. 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." Paul cautions against idleness, particularly among young widows, who may fall into gossip and disruptive behavior if not engaged in productive activities.

Theological Implications:

Idleness is often viewed as a spiritual issue, reflecting a lack of discipline and focus on God's purposes. The Bible encourages believers to be industrious, not only in their work but also in their spiritual lives. Diligence in prayer, study of the Scriptures, and service to others are seen as antidotes to idleness.

Practical Applications:

1. Work Ethic: Christians are encouraged to develop a strong work ethic, seeing their labor as a form of worship and service to God. Colossians 3:23 states, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men."

2. Stewardship: Believers are called to be good stewards of their time, talents, and resources. Idleness is viewed as a failure to use these gifts effectively for God's glory and the benefit of others.

3. Community Life: In the context of the church, idleness can disrupt unity and hinder the mission of the body of Christ. Active participation in church activities and ministries is encouraged to foster a sense of purpose and belonging.

In summary, the Bible presents idleness as a negative trait that can lead to spiritual and material poverty. Believers are urged to cultivate diligence and purposefulness in all aspects of life, aligning their actions with God's will and contributing positively to their communities.(adv.) In a idle manner; ineffectually; vainly; lazily; carelessly; (Obs.) foolishly.3151. mataiologos -- talking idly
... talking idly. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: mataiologos Phonetic Spelling:
(mat-ah-yol-og'-os) Short Definition: a vain, empty talker Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3151.htm - 6k

5396. phluareo -- to talk nonsense
... Verb Transliteration: phluareo Phonetic Spelling: (floo-ar-eh'-o) Short Definition:
I gossip against Definition: I gossip against, talk idly, make empty ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5396.htm - 7k

1500. eike -- without cause or reason, vainly
... without a cause, in vain. Probably from eiko (through the idea of failure); idly,
ie Without reason (or effect) -- without a cause, (in) vain(-ly). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1500.htm - 7k

6101. atsel -- to be sluggish
... root Definition to be sluggish NASB Word Usage delay (1). be slothful. A primitive
root; to lean idly, ie To be indolent or slack -- be slothful. 6100, 6101. ...
/hebrew/6101.htm - 5k

Times Lose no Time; nor do they Roll Idly By...
... Book IV Chapter VIII Times lose no time; nor do they roll idly by? Times
lose no time; nor do they roll idly by; through our senses ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter viii times lose no.htm

And I Sought "Whence is Evil," and Sought in an Evil Way...
... Why then fear we and avoid what is not? Or if we fear it idly, then is that very
fear evil, whereby the soul is thus idly goaded and racked. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter v and i sought.htm

The False Prophet
... She had ceased long ago to debate idly on the actual identity of the man who had
called himself Hesper of Ephesus. ... He swung his foot idly and smiled. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xix the false prophet.htm

John xviii. 37
... But he makes not an exact enquiry, and therefore Christ answered him nothing,
because He knew that he asked all the questions idly. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxiv john xviii 37.htm

The Deceitful Arts and Nefarious Practices of Marcus.
... by the expectation that it is herself who is to prophesy, her heart beating violently
[from emotion], reaches the requisite pitch of audacity, and idly as well ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiii the deceitful arts and.htm

Unbelievers Upbraided
... I must not idly sit down, and say, This has come upon me like a fever, or a paralysis,
which I cannot help; but I must rather say, 'This is a great sin, in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/unbelievers upbraided.htm

About the Dragon and the Young Man.
... And he turned and said to those that followed him: This affair has not happened
idly; but the enemy has wrought and effected this, that he might make an ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/about the dragon and the.htm

Model Speeches
... Instead of idly expatiating upon things which have been far better said than I could
say them, I would rather endeavor to recall one or two lessons applicable ...
/.../kleiser/successful methods of public speaking/study of model speeches.htm

The Conquest of Babylon.
... These animals were allowed the pleasure, if any pleasure it was to them, of sailing
thus idly down the stream, for the sake of having them at hand at the end ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter viii the conquest of.htm

We Should Acknowledge one Only God.
... not proclaimed by my words only, but by the words of those who have introduced us
to the elements of learning, in order that we may not, by living idly in this ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter vi we should acknowledge one.htm

Idly (4 Occurrences)
...Idly (4 Occurrences). Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah
thy God; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that idly uttereth his name. ...
/i/idly.htm - 7k

Uttereth (30 Occurrences)
... Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah thy God; for Jehovah
will not hold him guiltless that idly uttereth his name. (DBY). ...
/u/uttereth.htm - 14k

Utter (111 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah thy God; for Jehovah
will not hold him guiltless that idly uttereth his name. (DBY). ...
/u/utter.htm - 35k

Chatter (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To talk idly, carelessly, or with undue rapidity; to jabber; to
prate. ... 4. (vt) To utter rapidly, idly, or indistinctly. ...
/c/chatter.htm - 8k

Vapor (6 Occurrences)
... be exhaled; to evaporate. 8. (n.) To emit vapor or fumes. 9. (n.) To talk
idly; to boast or vaunt; to brag. 10. (vt) To send off ...
/v/vapor.htm - 11k

Vagrant (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who strolls idly from place to place; one who has no settled habitation;
an idle wanderer; a sturdy beggar; an incorrigible rogue; a vagabond. ...
/v/vagrant.htm - 7k

Neighbor's (31 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people;
neither shalt thou stand idly by the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD. ...
/n/neighbor's.htm - 16k

Unspiritual (6 Occurrences)
... you of your prize, priding himself on his humility and on his worship of the angels,
and taking his stand on the visions he has seen, and idly puffed up with ...
/u/unspiritual.htm - 8k

Lounge (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (v.) To spend time lazily, whether lolling or idly sauntering; to pass time
indolently; to stand, sit, or recline, in an indolent manner. ...
/l/lounge.htm - 7k

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