Topical Encyclopedia Idleness and sloth are frequently addressed in the Bible as behaviors that lead to poverty and hunger. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against laziness, emphasizing the importance of diligence and hard work as virtues that honor God and sustain life.Biblical Warnings Against Idleness The Book of Proverbs, known for its practical wisdom, contains several admonitions against idleness. Proverbs 19:15 states, "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This verse highlights the direct consequence of laziness: a lack of provision and sustenance. The imagery of "deep sleep" suggests a state of inactivity and neglect, leading to unmet needs. Proverbs 20:4 further illustrates this principle: "The sluggard does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there." Here, the failure to work at the appropriate time results in an empty harvest, symbolizing the inevitable outcome of neglecting one's responsibilities. The Example of the Ant Proverbs 6:6-11 uses the example of the ant to teach the value of industriousness: "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's self-motivated diligence serves as a model for human behavior, contrasting sharply with the sluggard's inaction. The passage warns that poverty will come upon the lazy "like a robber, and your need like an armed man." New Testament Teachings The New Testament also addresses the issue of idleness. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 , 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." This directive underscores the expectation that believers should contribute to their own sustenance and not rely on others out of laziness. Paul's letters often emphasize the importance of work as a means of providing for oneself and others. In Ephesians 4:28 , he writes, "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 passage highlights the dual purpose of work: to meet personal needs and to enable generosity. Consequences of Sloth The Bible consistently portrays sloth as a vice that leads to negative outcomes. Proverbs 24:30-34 provides a vivid depiction of the consequences of neglect: "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." The neglected field symbolizes the disorder and ruin that result from idleness, culminating in poverty and want. Spiritual Implications Beyond physical hunger, idleness can also lead to spiritual impoverishment. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the expectation of faithful stewardship. The servant who buried his talent out of fear and laziness is condemned for his inaction, while those who diligently invested their talents are rewarded. This parable underscores the spiritual responsibility to use one's gifts and opportunities for God's glory. In summary, the Bible presents idleness and sloth as behaviors that lead to both physical and spiritual hunger. Through the wisdom of Proverbs and the teachings of the New Testament, believers are encouraged to embrace diligence and hard work as expressions of faithfulness and obedience to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 19:15Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 20:13 Library The Bliss of the Glorified 2 Thessalonians iii. 5-Mar Matt. x. 34 Rom. viii. 12, 13 A Call to Prayer and Testimony Second Instruction. The Strait Gate; Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ... part ii Resources What does the Bible say about gossip? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about saving for retirement? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? | GotQuestions.org Idleness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Idleness and Sloth: Accompanied by Conceit Idleness and Sloth: Akin to Extravagance Idleness and Sloth: Effects of, Afford Instruction to Others Idleness and Sloth: False Excuses For Idleness and Sloth: Illustrated Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Bondage Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Disappointment Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Hunger Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Poverty Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Ruin Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Tattling and Meddling Idleness and Sloth: Lead to Want Idleness and Sloth: Produce Apathy Idleness and Sloth: Remonstrance Against Idleness and Sloth: Thessalonians Idleness: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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