Definition and Context:
The term "slothfully" refers to acting with laziness, idleness, or a lack of diligence. In biblical terms, slothfulness is often associated with a failure to fulfill one's duties and responsibilities, both in a spiritual and practical sense. It is considered a vice that leads to poverty, both materially and spiritually.

Biblical References:
The Bible addresses the concept of slothfulness in various passages, often contrasting it with diligence and hard work. The Book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, frequently warns against the dangers of slothfulness.

· Proverbs 19:15 : "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This verse highlights the consequences of slothfulness, suggesting that it leads to a lack of productivity and ultimately to need and deprivation.

· Proverbs 24:30-34 : "I went past the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was broken down. I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: 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 vivid imagery to depict the neglect and decay that result from slothfulness, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance and effort.

· Ecclesiastes 10:18 : "Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." Here, the Preacher of Ecclesiastes warns that neglecting responsibilities can lead to ruin and disorder, emphasizing the need for attentiveness and action.

Theological Implications:
Slothfulness is not merely a matter of personal failure but is seen as a spiritual issue. It reflects a lack of stewardship over the gifts and opportunities God provides. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the expectation that believers should actively use and multiply what they have been given, rather than burying it out of laziness or fear.

· Matthew 25:26-27 : "You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest." This rebuke underscores the expectation of productivity and initiative in the Christian life.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral standpoint, slothfulness is seen as a failure to love one's neighbor, as it often results in an inability to contribute to the well-being of others. The New Testament encourages believers to work diligently, not only to provide for themselves but also to have something to share with those in need.

· Ephesians 4:28 : "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This verse highlights the ethical responsibility to work and be productive, linking it to the broader command to love and serve others.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate diligence and to view their work as an act of worship and service to God. The Apostle Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to lead a disciplined life, working quietly and earning their own living.

· 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." This instruction emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the value of contributing to the community through honest labor.

In summary, the Bible presents slothfulness as a vice that hinders spiritual growth and community well-being. It calls believers to a life of diligence, responsibility, and active service, reflecting the character and purposes of God in their daily lives.

The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He ...
... Urged by it he exercised himself not slothfully also in divine things, to seek solitude,
to anticipate vigils,[152] to meditate in the law,[153] to eat ...
/.../chapter i the early life.htm

A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... encouragement for our endeavors. "If it is to be," cries one, "I need not do
anything." Nay, friend, thou arguest slothfully. On the contrary ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a call to prayer and.htm

Threefold Repentance
... The punishment of dumb lips is often dumbness. Opportunities of service,
slothfully or faintheartedly neglected, are often withdrawn. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/threefold repentance.htm

How the Above-Mentioned Ceadda was Made Bishop of the Province of ...
... As the fervour of his faith increased, resolving to renounce the secular life, he
did not go about it slothfully, but so entirely forsook the things of this ...
/.../bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap iii how the above-mentioned.htm

St. Ambrose Teaches Out of the Prophet Isaiah what they must do ...
... of pleasures and luxury, is not spoken of, but spiritually such as that wherewith
one raises the eager body, and suffers not the limbs to lie slothfully on the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi st ambrose teaches.htm

Of the Three Origins of Our Thoughts.
... illumination of the Holy Ghost, lifting us up to a higher state of progress, and
where we have made but little progress, or through acting slothfully have been ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xix of the three.htm

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
... lest either, when the tongue ought to be restrained, it run loose to no profit in
words, or, when it might speak with profit, it slothfully restrain itself. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xiv how the silent.htm

The Sluggard's Garden
... The solemn imperative of duty ceases to restrain or to impel in proportion as
a man yields slothfully to the baser impulses of his nature. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the sluggards garden.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... Thus do they slothfully neglect all endeavors for their own welfare, except some
public duty in the congregation, to which custom or credit engages them. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Hebrews vi. 3-Jan
... It is not open to them to say, If we live slothfully we will be baptized again,
we will be catechised again, we will again receive the Spirit; even if now we ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily ix hebrews vi 3-jan.htm

Slothfully (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Slothfully (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 48:10 Cursed
'is' he who is doing the work of Jehovah slothfully, And ...
/s/slothfully.htm - 6k

Slothful (22 Occurrences)

/s/slothful.htm - 12k

Withholding (3 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Jeremiah 48:10 Cursed 'is' he who is doing the work of Jehovah slothfully,
And cursed 'is' he Who is withholding his sword from blood. (YLT). ...
/w/withholding.htm - 7k

Slothfulness (3 Occurrences)

/s/slothfulness.htm - 7k

Bloodshed (43 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 48:10 Cursed 'is' he who is doing the work of Jehovah slothfully, And cursed
'is' he Who is withholding his sword from blood. (See RSV NIV). ...
/b/bloodshed.htm - 19k

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