Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of slothfulness is often associated with a lack of diligence, laziness, and an unwillingness to work or exert effort. The hands of the wicked, when described as slothful, reflect a moral and spiritual deficiency that contrasts sharply with the virtues of industriousness and responsibility upheld in Scripture.Proverbs and the Slothful Hands The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of slothfulness, providing vivid imagery and moral instruction. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth" . Here, the contrast between idle and diligent hands underscores the consequences of slothfulness, which leads to poverty and lack, both materially and spiritually. Proverbs 12:24 further elaborates, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor" . This verse highlights the eventual subjugation and loss of autonomy that result from slothful behavior. The wicked, through their laziness, find themselves in positions of servitude rather than leadership. Moral and Spiritual Implications The slothful hands of the wicked are not merely a matter of physical inactivity but are indicative of a deeper spiritual malaise. In Proverbs 21:25, it is written, "The craving of the sluggard will kill him because his hands refuse to work" . This verse suggests that slothfulness is self-destructive, leading to unfulfilled desires and spiritual death. The wicked, through their slothfulness, fail to fulfill the God-given mandate to work and steward creation. Genesis 2:15 describes how God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it" . This divine instruction underscores the importance of labor as a form of worship and obedience to God. The slothful hands of the wicked, therefore, represent a rejection of this divine purpose. New Testament Perspectives The New Testament also addresses the issue of slothfulness, particularly in the context of Christian living and community. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul admonishes, "If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat" . This directive emphasizes the importance of contributing to the community and the expectation of personal responsibility. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates the consequences of slothfulness. The servant who buried his talent out of fear and laziness is condemned as "wicked and lazy" (Matthew 25:26). This parable serves as a warning against the spiritual stagnation that results from failing to use one's God-given gifts and opportunities. Conclusion The hands of the wicked, described as slothful, serve as a cautionary symbol throughout Scripture. They represent a failure to live in accordance with God's design for human work and stewardship. The biblical narrative consistently calls for diligence, responsibility, and active participation in God's creation, contrasting the destructive path of slothfulness with the blessings of industriousness and faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 6:10Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 21:25 Library How Churches Can Help Ministers. Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth. Degeneration Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61. Letter cxxiv. To Avitus. The Greatness of the Soul, The Servants and the Pounds. Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen. Acts xv. 35 Psalm XXXIX. Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgLaying on of hands - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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