The term "indolent" refers to a disposition characterized by a habitual avoidance of activity or exertion; it is synonymous with laziness or slothfulness. In the context of biblical teachings, indolence is often viewed as a vice that stands in opposition to the virtues of diligence and industriousness. The Bible addresses the concept of indolence through various passages, emphasizing the spiritual and practical consequences of a lazy lifestyle.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 6:6-11 : "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest. 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 uses the industrious ant as a model for human behavior, warning that indolence leads to poverty and need.

2. Proverbs 10:4-5 : "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." Here, the contrast between diligence and indolence is stark, with the latter leading to disgrace and lack.

3. Proverbs 19:15 : "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This verse highlights the direct consequences of indolence, suggesting that it leads to both physical and spiritual deprivation.

4. Ecclesiastes 10:18 : "Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." This imagery illustrates how neglect and indolence can lead to the deterioration of one's responsibilities and possessions.

5. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 : "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." The Apostle Paul admonishes the Thessalonians against idleness, linking it to a lack of discipline and encouraging productive labor.

Theological Implications:

Indolence is often seen as a failure to fulfill the God-given mandate to work and steward the earth (Genesis 2:15). It is considered a moral failing that not only affects the individual but also the community, as it can lead to dependency and a lack of contribution to the common good. The Bible encourages believers to be diligent and to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23), viewing labor as an act of worship and service.

Practical Considerations:

From a practical standpoint, indolence can lead to various negative outcomes, including financial instability, broken relationships, and a lack of personal fulfillment. The biblical exhortation to avoid laziness is not merely about economic productivity but also about cultivating a character that reflects God's diligence and creativity. Believers are encouraged to develop a strong work ethic, to be proactive in their responsibilities, and to seek ways to serve others through their labor.

In summary, the Bible presents indolence as a detrimental trait that hinders personal growth and community well-being. Through various teachings and parables, Scripture calls for a life of diligence, responsibility, and active engagement in the tasks set before us.(a.) Habitually lazy; avoiding labor and exertion; inactive; as, an indolent man.

3636. okneros -- shrinking, timid, hence idle, lazy, troublesome
... 3636 (from 3635 , "to delay") -- properly, and hence be (delayed); (figuratively)
reluctant, slothful, indolent ("dragging one's feet"). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3636.htm - 7k6102. atsel -- sluggish, lazy
... 12). slothful, sluggard. From atsal; indolent -- slothful, sluggard. see HEBREW
atsal. 6101, 6102. atsel. 6103 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6102.htm - 6k

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

Third Sunday Before Lent
... When faith is not strenuously exercised, when we are indolent in good works,
our progress is hindered, so that the prize is not attained. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday before lent.htm

Second Sunday in Lent
... The trouble is, we are in danger of becoming indolent and negligent, forgetful and
ungrateful"vices menacing and great, and which, alas, are altogether too ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday in lent.htm

"He that Sleepeth in Harvest is a Son that Causeth Shame. " ...
... One feels that no language is too strong for this indolent young man. ... If I am indolent
I shall cause shame to the people who count me one of themselves. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxx he that sleepeth in.htm

Enthusiasm.
... God calls active and earnest"not indolent men. ... None of these eminent servants of
God were indolent men; what they did, they did with all their might. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter v enthusiasm.htm

A Caution against Various Temptations, by which the Young Convert ...
... xvi.) are broken through."2. Particular cautions"against a sluggish and indolent
temper."3. Against the excessive love of sensitive pleasure."4 ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxi a caution against.htm

Traders for the Master
... III. The excuse and punishment of the indolent servant. His excuse is his reason. ...
Still another error is in the indolent servant's words. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/traders for the master.htm

Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... day; yet that is not a real and true meditation on Christ, but some counterfeit,
which makes us dream away our time, or become habitually indolent, or which ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xi doing glory to.htm

Hebrews xii. 6-Apr
... no great thing." The former, when [the soul] has been exhausted refreshes it, and
makes it recover breath: the latter, when it has become indolent and supine ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxix hebrews xii 6-apr.htm

The Roman Power.
... Hyrcanua was indolent, and was rather glad to be relieved from the trouble of reigning;
but his friend, Antipas, an Edomite by birth, and of the Jewish religion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xix the roman power.htm

To those who had not Attended the Assembly.
... For such is the wont of the ungrateful and indolent; they always try to shift
the blame of their offences from themselves to their master. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to those who had not.htm

Indolent (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Habitually lazy; avoiding labor and exertion; inactive;
as, an indolent man. Multi-Version Concordance Indolent (3 Occurrences). ...
/i/indolent.htm - 7k

Zeal (45 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Romans 12:11 Do not be indolent when zeal is required. Be thoroughly
warm-hearted, the Lord's own servants, (WEY DBY RSV NIV). ...
/z/zeal.htm - 21k

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

Warm-hearted (1 Occurrence)
... Warm-hearted (1 Occurrence). Romans 12:11 Do not be indolent when zeal is required.
Be thoroughly warm-hearted, the Lord's own servants, (WEY). ...
/w/warm-hearted.htm - 6k

Wen (1 Occurrence)
... A "wen" is a non-inflamed indolent tumor, and so "wen" is about as far as possible
from the meaning of the Hebrew. Multi-Version Concordance Wen (1 Occurrence). ...
/w/wen.htm - 7k

Inert (1 Occurrence)
... will not ignite. 2. (a.) Indisposed to move or act; very slow to act;
sluggish; dull; inactive; indolent; lifeless. 3. (a.) Not ...
/i/inert.htm - 7k

Indolence (1 Occurrence)

/i/indolence.htm - 6k

Indoors (6 Occurrences)

/i/indoors.htm - 8k

Fisherman (1 Occurrence)
... Fishermen, then as now, formed a distinct class. The strenuousness of
the work (Luke 5:2) ruled out the weak and indolent. They ...
/f/fisherman.htm - 9k

Fisher (1 Occurrence)
... Fishermen, then as now, formed a distinct class. The strenuousness of
the work (Luke 5:2) ruled out the weak and indolent. They ...
/f/fisher.htm - 10k

Indolent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus