Topical Bible: Bread: (Of Idleness) Sloth

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In biblical literature, the concept of "bread of idleness" is closely associated with the sin of sloth, a vice that is frequently admonished in Scripture. The term "bread of idleness" is derived from Proverbs 31:27, which states, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." This passage highlights the virtue of diligence and the expectation that one should be industrious and attentive to their responsibilities.

The "bread of idleness" metaphorically represents the sustenance or lifestyle that results from laziness and neglect of duty. It is a caution against the complacency that can arise from a lack of purposeful activity. In the biblical context, idleness is often linked with moral and spiritual decay, as it opens the door to temptation and sin.

The Bible consistently warns against slothfulness. In Proverbs 6:6-11, the sluggard is admonished to learn from the ant, which is industrious and prepares for the future. The passage reads, "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."

The New Testament also addresses the issue of idleness. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, the Apostle Paul instructs, "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."

From these passages, it is clear that the biblical worldview values hard work and sees it as a reflection of one's character and faithfulness to God. The "bread of idleness" is not merely a lack of physical labor but a spiritual condition that can lead to a life devoid of purpose and fulfillment.

In summary, the "bread of idleness" serves as a warning against the dangers of sloth. It encourages believers to embrace diligence and responsibility, reflecting the biblical principle that work is a divine mandate and a means of glorifying God. The Scriptures call for a life of active engagement in one's duties, both to provide for oneself and to contribute to the well-being of the community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 31:27
She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
... second observation is this: if we avoid sloth we have ... it had been sufficient to shake
off idleness and become ... sit up late, and to eat the bread of carefulness ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hedge of thorns and.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... he is in business on his own account, idleness is usually a ... the true faith bids every
man eat his own bread. ... men must work, or find disease and death in sloth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

The Late Work of God in North America
... 14. And is not idleness naturally joined with "fullness of bread?" Doth
not sloth easily spring from luxury? It did so here in an ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 131 the late work.htm

On Redeeming the Time
... who are not obliged to work for our bread lie till ... It breeds and continually increases
sloth, so often objected to ... person who is a slave to this idleness is in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 93 on redeeming the.htm

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... you think, to see a child throwing away the bread his mother ... There is no room, then,
for the indulgence of idleness, indolence, or sloth, upon the ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm

Matt. x. 34
... there come to thee a poor man wanting bread, there is ... not as making a law in favor
of idleness, far from ... earnestly wishing all to be employed; for sloth is the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxv matt x 34.htm

2 Thessalonians iii. 5-Mar
... may not by these means lead them to sloth, and lest ... "That they may eat their own
bread," says he ... ourselves from one who was only supported in idleness, how much ...
/.../homily v 2 thessalonians iii.htm

Rom. viii. 12, 13
... Dost thou not shudder, man, and blush to call him an impostor for bread? ... and take
so over exact an account of him, accusing him of idleness and sloth? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv rom viii 12.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... If that be true, man doth not live by bread, He that has nothing else, must needs
be dead; Take bread for what can ... Not that the sloth Of idleness should be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

The Nuns of the Primitive Church
... for the purpose of making the youthful saint some bread. ... Yet, idleness on the part
of its subjects was far from ... Sloth was not possible with them; for they were ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vi the nuns of the.htm