In the context of biblical teachings, negligence is often understood as a failure to fulfill one's duties or responsibilities, whether to God, others, or oneself. The Bible addresses the concept of negligence in various forms, emphasizing the importance of diligence, responsibility, and accountability.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several examples and teachings related to negligence. In the Law of Moses, specific instructions were given to ensure that individuals acted responsibly. For instance, in Exodus 21:28-29, the law addresses the negligence of an ox owner: "If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat may not be eaten. But the owner of the ox will not be held responsible. If, however, the ox was known to gore in the past and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death." This passage highlights the severe consequences of negligence when it leads to harm.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently contrasts diligence with negligence. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse underscores the value of hard work and the negative outcomes associated with negligence and laziness.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, negligence is often addressed in the context of spiritual responsibilities and the Christian life. Jesus' parables frequently illustrate the importance of being watchful and diligent. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the servant who negligently buried his talent instead of investing it is rebuked and punished. This parable teaches the importance of using one's gifts and opportunities wisely and the consequences of failing to do so.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the issue of negligence in his epistles. In Romans 12:11, he exhorts believers, "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." Here, Paul encourages Christians to avoid negligence in their spiritual fervor and service to God.

Spiritual Implications

Negligence in spiritual matters can lead to a weakened faith and a diminished relationship with God. Hebrews 2:1 warns, "We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." This verse highlights the danger of spiritual negligence and the need for vigilance in maintaining one's faith.

The Bible also emphasizes the communal impact of negligence. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul writes, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This passage underscores the responsibility to care for one's family and the serious view the Bible takes on negligence in fulfilling familial duties.

Practical Applications

From a biblical perspective, addressing negligence involves cultivating diligence, responsibility, and accountability. Believers are encouraged to be proactive in their spiritual lives, relationships, and daily responsibilities. The Bible calls for a life of intentionality, where one's actions reflect a commitment to God and others.

In summary, negligence is viewed in the Bible as a failure to act responsibly and diligently. The Scriptures provide guidance and warnings to help believers avoid the pitfalls of negligence and to live lives that honor God and serve others effectively.(adv.) In a negligent manner.7423b. remiyyah -- laxness, slackness
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition laxness, slackness NASB Word Usage idle
(1), lazy man (1), negligent (1), negligently (1), slack (1). ...
/hebrew/7423b.htm - 5k

Question Lxxxi of the virtue of Religion
... But whether religion be so called from frequent reading, or from fresh election
of Him Whom we have negligently lost, or from rebinding, it properly implies a ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxi of the virtue.htm

Whether Negligence is a Special Sin?
... about evil or indifferent things (for no man is accused of negligence if he omit
them), nor about good things, for if these be done negligently, they are no ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether negligence is a special.htm

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... Dei fraudulenter; "Cursed be the man that doth the work of God fraudulently, guilefully
or deceitfully:" some books have it negligenter, "negligently or slackly ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

The victory of Faith.
... It is impossible for any one to have read his Bible ever so negligently, and not
to be aware that the word Faith, or the grace of Faith, forms a large element ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/ii the victory of faith.htm

Treatise ii. On the Dress of virgins.
... [3171] Moreover, Also, He Forbids to Virgins Those Things Which Had Negligently
Come into Use, as Being Present at Weddings, as Well as Going to Promiscuous ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ii on the dress.htm

Argument: Christians Abstain from Things Connected with Idol ...
... They Do Not Indeed Despise All the Colour and Scent of Flowers, for They are Accustomed
to Use Them Scattered About Loosely and Negligently, as Well as to ...
/.../chapter xxxviii argument christians abstain from.htm

When Sylla and his Party were Informed what Happened to Me...
... When Sylla and his party were informed what happened to me, they took courage again;
and understanding that the watch was negligently kept in our camp, they by ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 73 when sylla and.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... went to bed at night, to lay a Scots plaid above his bed-clothes, and when he went
to his night-prayers, to sit up and cover himself negligently therewith, and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

Of the Time of Antichrist.
... become desert. Hear ye how the prophet foretold concerning him. I have
said nothing elaborately, but negligently. Then, doubtless ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/xli of the time of antichrist.htm

Of a Religious State. ...
... more noble and excellent it is when the obligations thereof are duly corresponded
with, the more do they abase themselves that live negligently and unworthily ...
/.../chapter iii of a religious.htm

Negligently (1 Occurrence)
...Negligently (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 48:10 Cursed is he who does the work of Yahweh
negligently; and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from blood. ...
/n/negligently.htm - 6k

Negligent (7 Occurrences)

/n/negligent.htm - 8k

Negotiate (1 Occurrence)

/n/negotiate.htm - 7k

Lax (1 Occurrence)
... Lax (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 48:10 Cursed is he who does the work of Yahweh negligently;
and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from blood. (See NIV). ...
/l/lax.htm - 6k

Restrains (8 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Jeremiah 48:10 Cursed is he who does the work of Yahweh negligently;
and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from blood. (See NAS). ...
/r/restrains.htm - 8k

Diligently (85 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a diligent manner; not carelessly; not negligently;
with industry or assiduity. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/d/diligently.htm - 34k

Slightly (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) In a slight manner. 2. (adv.) Slightingly;
negligently. Multi-Version Concordance Slightly (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/slightly.htm - 7k

Slack (19 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Jeremiah 48:10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of Jehovah negligently;
and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. (See JPS RSV). ...
/s/slack.htm - 12k

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