Lounging, in the context of biblical principles, refers to a state of idleness or laziness, often characterized by a lack of purposeful activity or diligence. The Bible addresses the concept of idleness and the importance of industriousness in various passages, emphasizing the value of hard work and the dangers of slothfulness.

Biblical References and Principles

1. Proverbs on Diligence and Slothfulness: The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the diligent with the slothful, highlighting the consequences of each lifestyle. Proverbs 6:9-11 warns, "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 underscores the idea that excessive lounging can lead to poverty and lack.

2. The Example of the Ant: Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "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." The ant is presented as a model of industriousness, working diligently without supervision, in contrast to the sluggard who lounges and neglects responsibilities.

3. New Testament Teachings: The New Testament also addresses the issue of idleness. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , Paul writes, "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." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of working diligently and not falling into the trap of idleness.

4. The Virtue of Hard Work: Colossians 3:23 encourages believers, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This verse highlights the spiritual dimension of work, suggesting that diligence in one's duties is a form of service to God.

5. Warnings Against Idleness: In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of using one's gifts and opportunities wisely. The servant who buried his talent out of fear and laziness is rebuked and punished, while those who worked diligently with their talents are rewarded. This parable serves as a warning against the dangers of idleness and the failure to act responsibly with what one has been given.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, the agrarian society placed a high value on hard work and productivity. The rhythms of planting and harvest required diligence and careful planning. Lounging or idleness was often associated with neglect of duty and irresponsibility, which could have dire consequences for individuals and their families.

Spiritual Implications

From a spiritual perspective, lounging can be seen as a neglect of one's God-given responsibilities and potential. The Bible encourages believers to be active and purposeful in their lives, using their time and talents for the glory of God and the benefit of others. The call to diligence is not merely about physical labor but encompasses spiritual vigilance and the pursuit of righteousness.

In summary, the biblical view of lounging is largely negative, associating it with slothfulness and a lack of discipline. The Scriptures advocate for a life of diligence, responsibility, and purposeful action, reflecting the character of God and fulfilling His purposes.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lounge.

Outward Bound
... Then had come"still like a dream"a day of pouring rain, of lounging on the
main-deck, watching the engines, and watching, too (for it was calm at night ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter i outward bound.htm

Picture of a Pauline Church
... of that wicked ancient world. Hundreds of merchants and sailors from foreign
parts are lounging about. The gay young Roman, who ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter viii picture of a.htm

Christmas Day
... Christmas Day. How will it dawn, the coming Christmas Day? To sailors lounging
on the lonely deck Beneath the rushing trade-wind? Or to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/christmas day.htm

Choosing Her Course
... them. The first time she ventured out on this service she saw a great,
drunken navvy lounging against the door of a public-house. ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/ii choosing her course.htm

Meanwhile, the Marquis Fontenelle had Been Nearly a Fortnight in ...
... Dirty, frowsy women,"idle men, lounging along with the slouching gait which is common
to the 'unemployed' Italian,"half-naked children, running hither and ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxiii meanwhile the marquis fontenelle.htm

The City of Gold
... Here, the bustle of the crowds, and the number of equipages, disturbed
and exasperated the southerner with his lounging habits. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the city of gold.htm

Men and Mannerisms
... Leaning or lounging of any kind, bending at the knee, or other evidence of weakness
or weariness, may belong to the repose of the easy chair, but are hardly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/men and mannerisms.htm

Perfection to be Sought.
... on top of it. What do you do with your Sunday? Is it wasted in lounging
about, ferreting rabbits, idle talking? If it be so, then ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlix perfection to be sought.htm

Tee Advice of Hotep
... The lady was on the point of sharing her seat with one of her guests, when Har-hat,
who had been lounging by himself on the parapet, sauntered over to his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xvi tee advice of.htm

Trials to be Met.
... with some of the arts; but barbarous nations are acquainted with none of the
improvements that elevate society, and exhibit a state of lounging indolence and ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter viii trials to be.htm

Lounging (2 Occurrences)
...Lounging (2 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). Amos 6:7 Therefore they will now go captive
with the first who go captive; and the feasting and lounging will end. (WEB NIV) ...
/l/lounging.htm - 7k

Lovable (2 Occurrences)

/l/lovable.htm - 7k

Loungers (1 Occurrence)

/l/loungers.htm - 6k

Lounge (1 Occurrence)
... in an indolent manner. 2. (n.) An idle gait or stroll; the state of reclining
indolently; a place of lounging. 3. (n.) A piece of ...
/l/lounge.htm - 7k

Banqueting (6 Occurrences)
... RSV). Amos 6:7 Therefore they will now go captive with the first who go
captive; and the feasting and lounging will end. (See NAS). ...
/b/banqueting.htm - 8k

Sprawlers (1 Occurrence)
... Sprawlers (1 Occurrence). Amos 6:7 Therefore they will now go captive with the first
who go captive; and the feasting and lounging will end. (See NAS). ...
/s/sprawlers.htm - 6k

Feasting (39 Occurrences)
... BBE). Amos 6:7 Therefore they will now go captive with the first who go
captive; and the feasting and lounging will end. (WEB NIV). ...
/f/feasting.htm - 19k

Exiles (46 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Amos 6:7 Therefore they will now go captive with the first who
go captive; and the feasting and lounging will end. (See NAS). ...
/e/exiles.htm - 20k

Exile (101 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Amos 6:7 Therefore they will now go captive with the first who
go captive; and the feasting and lounging will end. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/exile.htm - 43k

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