Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, idlers are individuals who exhibit laziness, avoid work, and fail to fulfill their responsibilities. The Bible addresses the issue of idleness in various passages, emphasizing the importance of diligence, hard work, and the consequences of neglecting one's duties.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament provides several insights into the nature and consequences of idleness. Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, frequently addresses the topic.
Proverbs 6:6-11 advises, "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; she gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise 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 want like an armed man."
This passage uses the ant as a model of industriousness, contrasting it with the sluggard, or idler, who is warned of impending poverty due to laziness. The imagery of sudden poverty highlights the dangers of neglecting work.
New Testament ReferencesThe New Testament also addresses idleness, particularly in the context of the early Christian community. In
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , the Apostle Paul writes, "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."
Paul's admonition underscores the expectation that believers should lead disciplined lives, contributing to their community and providing for themselves. The term "busybodies" suggests that idlers may engage in gossip or meddling, further disrupting the community.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, idleness is often viewed as contrary to God's design for humanity.
Genesis 2:15 states, "The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it." Work is presented as an integral part of human purpose, established by God from the beginning.
Idleness can also be seen as a failure to steward one's time and resources effectively.
Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This passage encourages believers to use their time wisely, implying that idleness is a misuse of the time God has given.
Practical ConsiderationsIn practical terms, the Bible encourages believers to cultivate a strong work ethic and to avoid the pitfalls of idleness.
Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
This exhortation highlights the spiritual dimension of work, suggesting that diligence in one's duties is a form of service to God. By working wholeheartedly, believers honor God and reflect His character in their lives.
Community and IdlenessIdleness not only affects the individual but can also have repercussions for the community. In
1 Timothy 5:13 , Paul warns about young widows who "learn to be idle, going from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they should not."
This passage illustrates how idleness can lead to gossip and disruption within the community, emphasizing the need for productive engagement in communal life. The biblical call to avoid idleness is thus both a personal and communal imperative, fostering harmony and productivity within the body of Christ.
Library
Silent Christians
... they think) they have so much else to do, and for a number of other reasons that
I do not need to dwell upon, they fall into the great army ofidlers, and are...
I have Often Asked Myself, "Why am Ia Republican? -- Why am I The....
... below me,"in street, garret, or cottage, there is a rich People, or a beggar People;
a religious People, or an atheistic People; a People ofidlers, or of...
Reception of Christians.
... Christianity. This expressive term was coined to designate the class ofidlers
who would make gain out of their professed Christianity....
Third Day. Devotedness to God.
... How many hazard, if they do not make shipwreck, of their eternal hopes by becoming
idlers in the vineyard; lingerers, like Lot; world-lovers, like Demas; "do...
The First Epistle to the Thessalonians
... instruction and encouragement, for a faithful, persecuted church, whose knowledge
is still deficient, and whose weak and faint-hearted andidlers greatly need...
The African Rome
... Further off was the Harbour Square, where gathered foreigners recently landed and
theidlers of the city in search of news, and where the booksellers offered...
The Next Morning Diamond was up Almost as Early as Before. ...
... But as he turned to go back, someidlers, not content with chaffing him,
showed a mind to the fare the young woman had given him....
The Labourers in the vineyard.
... For hours the sun had shown his face, Whenidlers in the market-place Once and
again were sent within The vineyard's wall their wage to win....
A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of...
... and to re-admit the penitent"to watch over the members, that they be diligent in
their worldly callings, that there be no drones oridlers"to heal offences...
I am So Glad, Dearest Celine
... from eternal damnation. We are neitheridlers nor spendthrifts. Our Divine
Master has taken our defence upon Himself. Remember the...
Thesaurus
Idlers (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Idlers (2 Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians 5:14 We
exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage
...Idleness (4 Occurrences)
Idly (4 Occurrences)
First (4693 Occurrences)
... foreign traders, sailors, soldiers, athletes in training, boxers, wrestlers,
charioteers, racing-men, betting-men, courtesans, slaves,idlers and parasites of...
Corinthians (3 Occurrences)
... foreign traders, sailors, soldiers, athletes in training, boxers, wrestlers,
charioteers, racing-men, betting-men, courtesans, slaves,idlers and parasites of...
Epistle (13 Occurrences)
... foreign traders, sailors, soldiers, athletes in training, boxers, wrestlers,
charioteers, racing-men, betting-men, courtesans, slaves,idlers and parasites of...
Resources
Is “idle hands are the devil's workshop” a biblical statement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about idleness/being idle? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being nosey? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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