Loitering, in a biblical context, refers to idleness or the act of lingering aimlessly without purpose. The Bible addresses the concept of idleness and its potential consequences, often associating it with laziness, lack of productivity, and moral decay. While the term "loitering" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures, the principles surrounding idleness and its effects are well-documented.

Biblical References and Principles

1. Proverbs on Idleness: The Book of Proverbs frequently warns against idleness and encourages diligence. Proverbs 19:15 states, "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This verse highlights the natural consequences of idleness, suggesting that a lack of purposeful activity can lead to poverty and need.

2. The Example of the Ant: Proverbs 6:6-11 uses the example of the ant to teach the value of hard work and preparation: "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." This passage contrasts the industriousness of the ant with the folly of the sluggard, emphasizing the importance of self-motivation and foresight.

3. New Testament Warnings: The New Testament also addresses the issue of idleness. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 , Paul admonishes the Thessalonians, "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." Here, Paul links idleness with disorderly conduct and warns against becoming a burden to others.

4. Parable of the Talents: In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, which underscores the importance of using one's gifts and opportunities wisely. The servant who buried his talent out of fear and inactivity is rebuked and punished, illustrating the expectation of productivity and stewardship in the Christian life.

5. Ecclesiastes on the Futility of Idleness: Ecclesiastes 10:18 observes, "Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." This imagery conveys the deterioration that results from neglect and inactivity, reinforcing the necessity of diligence in maintaining one's responsibilities.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Loitering, as a form of idleness, is often seen as contrary to the biblical call to be productive and purposeful. The Scriptures encourage believers to work diligently, not only to provide for themselves and their families but also to contribute to the community and glorify God through their efforts. Idleness can lead to temptation and sin, as it provides opportunities for the mind and body to stray from righteous pursuits.

The Bible's teachings on idleness serve as a reminder of the value of time and the importance of using it wisely. Believers are called to be good stewards of their time, talents, and resources, recognizing that they are accountable to God for how they live their lives.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Loiter.4981. schole -- leisure, hence disputation (that for which leisure ...
... Probably feminine of a presumed derivative of the alternate of echo; properly,
loitering (as a withholding of oneself from work) or leisure, ie (by implication ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4981.htm - 6k

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... But this much I dare say, that since lording and loitering hath come up, preaching
hath come down, contrary to the apostles' times: for they preached and ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

To the Honourable Mr Yorke.
... Nor that the worst: ah me! the dire effect. Of loitering here, of Death defrauded
long; Of old so gracious (and let that suffice), 54. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the honourable mr yorke.htm

Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... have undertaken, that live in ease and pleasure, and have time to take their
superfluous recreations and to spend an hour and more at once, in loitering, or ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm

The Tears of the Penitent.
... levy en masse, encamped round Rabbath, and their natural head, who had once been
so ready to take his share of blows and privations, loitering behind, taking ...
/.../maclaren/the life of david/xiii the tears of the penitent.htm

The Christians are not the Cause of Public Calamities: There were ...
... in our extirpation, you then have settled the question [603] of their weakness and
insignificance; for they would not be angry with you for loitering over our ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter ix name christians are.htm

Rest, Rest
... When loitering upon the Island of Liddo, off Venice, and listening to the sound
of the city's bells, I thought the music charming as it floated across the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/rest rest.htm

A Tale About Words
... from a silver pitcher!". The girl sulked off to the fountain swinging the
pitcher and loitering along the way. When she reached there ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a tale about words.htm

Declension from First Love
... He might say, "I know thy loitering; I know thy laziness; I know thy shirking of
the work; I know thy boasting of what little thou dost; I know thine ambition ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/declension from first love.htm

A Miracle Within a Miracle
... He had left his child 'at the point of death' and here was the Healer loitering,
as it must have seemed to a father's agony of impatience. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/a miracle within a miracle.htm

Tuesday in Passion Week. By the which Will we are Sanctified ...
... Lo, Thy cross defends my heart,. Shows the peril, and I shrink. Back from loitering
on the brink. Doth my carnal nature yearn. After wanton joys? again. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/tuesday in passion week by.htm

Loitering (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Loitering (2 Occurrences). Matthew 20:3 About nine o'clock
he went out and saw others loitering in the market-place. (WEY). ...
/l/loitering.htm - 7k

O'clock (16 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance O'clock (16 Occurrences). Matthew 20:3 About nine o'clock
he went out and saw others loitering in the market-place. (WEY). ...
/o/o'clock.htm - 10k

Nine (55 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 20:3 About nine
o'clock he went out and saw others loitering in the market-place. (WEY). ...
/n/nine.htm - 22k

Lone (1 Occurrence)

/l/lone.htm - 7k

Lo'is (1 Occurrence)
Lo'is. Lois, Lo'is. Loitering . Multi-Version Concordance Lo'is (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Lois, Lo'is. Loitering . Reference Bible.
/l/lo'is.htm - 6k

Market-place (7 Occurrences)
... Market-place (7 Occurrences). Matthew 20:3 About nine o'clock he went out and
saw others loitering in the market-place. (WEY BBE DBY WBS YLT). ...
/m/market-place.htm - 9k

Nothing (769 Occurrences)
... Matthew 20:6 And going out about five o'clock he found others loitering, and he
asked them, "'Why have you been standing here all day long, doing nothing ...
/n/nothing.htm - 40k

Loitering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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