Topical Encyclopedia The term "sluggard" is prominently featured in the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. It is used to describe a person characterized by laziness, idleness, and a lack of diligence. The sluggard is often contrasted with the diligent and industrious individual, serving as a cautionary example of the consequences of slothfulness.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 encourages the sluggard to learn from the ant, an exemplar of industriousness and foresight. The ant's ability to work diligently without supervision is highlighted as a model for human behavior. The warning is clear: continued laziness leads to poverty and want. 2. Proverbs 10:26: "Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him." Here, the sluggard is depicted as an irritant and a source of frustration to those who rely on him. His unreliability and lack of initiative make him a poor choice for any task requiring responsibility and effort. 3. Proverbs 13:4: "The soul of the sluggard craves, yet gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." This verse contrasts the unfulfilled desires of the sluggard with the satisfaction experienced by the diligent. The sluggard's lack of effort results in unmet needs and desires, while the diligent reap the rewards of their hard work. 4. Proverbs 19:24: "The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth." This hyperbolic image illustrates the extreme laziness of the sluggard, who is so indolent that he cannot complete even the simplest task of feeding himself. It underscores the absurdity and self-destructive nature of slothfulness. 5. Proverbs 26:13-16: "The sluggard says, 'There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!' As a door turns on its hinges, so the sluggard turns on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly." This passage highlights the sluggard's tendency to make excuses to avoid work, his habitual laziness, and his unwarranted self-assurance. The sluggard's excuses are often irrational, and his self-perception is skewed, believing himself to be wise despite his evident folly. Theological Implications: The depiction of the sluggard in Proverbs serves as a moral and spiritual lesson. Laziness is not merely a personal failing but a violation of the divine order that calls for stewardship, responsibility, and productivity. The sluggard's behavior is antithetical to the biblical call to work diligently as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). The consequences of slothfulness—poverty, unmet desires, and social disapproval—are presented as natural outcomes of failing to adhere to God's design for human labor and industry. The sluggard's portrayal in Scripture is a reminder of the importance of diligence, responsibility, and the wise use of time and resources. It serves as a warning against the spiritual and material dangers of idleness, urging believers to embrace a life of purposeful and productive work. Library The Sluggard's Garden The Sluggard's Farm The Sluggard's Reproof The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way Sermons on Proverbs Expositions of Holy Scripture Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers Hymn at Cock-Crow Eyes Right Notes Thesaurus Sluggard's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Sluggard's (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 13:4 A sluggard's soul desireth and hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. ... /s/sluggard's.htm - 6k Sluggard (14 Occurrences) Sluggish (1 Occurrence) Resources What is a sluggard? What does Proverbs teach about sluggards? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about laziness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about diligence? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sluggard's (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 13:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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