The term "do-nothing" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of idleness and the failure to act when action is required is addressed throughout Scripture. The Bible provides numerous teachings on the importance of diligence, responsibility, and the dangers of slothfulness.

Biblical Context and Teachings

1. Proverbs on Diligence and Slothfulness: The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the diligent with the slothful, emphasizing the consequences of inaction. Proverbs 6:6-11 advises, "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise... 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 highlights the importance of industriousness and the dangers of complacency.

2. Parable of the Talents: In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, where a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money. The servant who does nothing with his talent is rebuked and punished. This parable illustrates the expectation that believers should actively use their God-given gifts and opportunities for the Kingdom's advancement.

3. New Testament Exhortations: The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of idleness in his letters. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , he 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. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living." Paul emphasizes the importance of contributing to the community and not being a burden to others.

4. James on Faith and Works: The Epistle of James underscores the necessity of active faith. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This passage reinforces the idea that genuine faith manifests in deeds, and a "do-nothing" attitude is contrary to the Christian life.

5. The Example of Jesus: Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of active service and obedience to God's will. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as tirelessly ministering to others, teaching, healing, and fulfilling His mission. His life exemplifies the call to action and service.

Theological Implications

The concept of "do-nothing" in a biblical sense is often associated with spiritual and moral negligence. The Scriptures encourage believers to be proactive in their faith, to work diligently, and to serve others. Idleness is seen as a vice that can lead to spiritual stagnation and missed opportunities to glorify God. The Bible calls Christians to be stewards of their time, talents, and resources, actively engaging in the work of the Lord and the betterment of their communities.(a.) Doing nothing; inactive; idle; lazy; as, a do-nothing policy.

You Can do Nothing
... YOU CAN DO NOTHING. Apart From Me Ye Can Do Nothing"John 15..5. ... And so Christ says
of His disciples: "Ye can do nothing apart from me." He means it literally. ...
/.../the true vine meditations for a month on john 151-16/you can do nothing.htm

November 28. "Without Me Ye Can do Nothing" (John xv. 5).
... NOVEMBER 28. "Without Me ye can do nothing" (John xv. 5). "Without Me ye
can do nothing" (John 15:5). How much can I do for Christ? ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /november 28 without me ye.htm

How we Can do Nothing against Our Faults Without the Help of God ...
... Chapter XV. How we can do nothing against our faults without the help of God,
and how we should not be puffed up by victories over them. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xv how we can.htm

Do Nothing Without the Bishop and Presbyters.
... Chapter VII."Do nothing without the bishop and presbyters. As therefore
the Lord did nothing without the Father, being united ...
/.../chapter vii do nothing without the.htm

The Passage Quoted Adversely by Heretics, Namely, "The Son Can do ...
... The passage quoted adversely by heretics, namely, "The Son can do nothing of Himself? ...
Furthermore, what mean the words: "The Son can do nothing of Himself"? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iv the passage quoted.htm

Successus of Abbir Germaniciana Said: "Heretics May Either do ...
... Book VI. Chapter 23. " 40. Successus of Abbir Germaniciana said: "Heretics
may either do nothing or everything.? "40. Successus ...
/.../chapter 23 40 successus.htm

December 13. "He that Abideth in Me and I in Him the Same Bringeth ...
... DECEMBER 13. "He that abideth in Me and I in him the same bringeth forth much
fruit for apart from Me ye can do nothing" (John xv. 5). ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /december 13 he that abideth.htm

Since This, Then, is the Case, we do Nothing Out of Place or ...
... Book II. 53 Since this, then, is the case, we do nothing out of place or
foolish in? Since this, then, is the case, we do nothing ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/53 since this then is.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 19, "The Son Can do Nothing of ...
... Sermon LXXVI. On the words of the Gospel, John v. 19, "The Son can do nothing
of Himself, but what He seeth the Father doing.". [CXXVI. Ben.] ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxvi on the words.htm

When the Banks were Completed and the Battering Rams Brought, and ...
... CHAPTER 4. When The Banks Were Completed And The Battering Rams Brought, And Could
Do Nothing, Titus Gave Orders To Set Fire To The Gates Of The Temple; In No ...
/.../chapter 4 when the banks.htm

Do-nothing (1 Occurrence)
Do-nothing. Donning, Do-nothing. Don't . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.)
Doing nothing; inactive; idle; lazy; as, a do-nothing policy. ...
/d/do-nothing.htm - 6k

Initiative (11 Occurrences)
... Initiative (11 Occurrences). Luke 12:57 Why don't you judge for yourselves what
is right? (See NAS). John 5:30 I can of myself donothing. ...
/i/initiative.htm - 9k

Obedience (61 Occurrences)
... him. I donothing of myself, but as the Father taught me, I speak these
things" (John 8:29, 28); "I can of myself donothing..... ...
/o/obedience.htm - 43k

Myself (395 Occurrences)
... (BBE NAS). John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father is still working, so I
am working, too." (See NAS). John 5:30 I can of myself donothing. ...
/m/myself.htm - 37k

Apart (228 Occurrences)
... You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit,
for apart from me you can donothing. (WEB WEY ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/a/apart.htm - 36k

Nothing (769 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:4 "But to you who are my friends I say, "'Be not afraid of those who
kill the body and after that can donothing further. (WEY). ...
/n/nothing.htm - 40k

Yourselves (530 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:24 So when Pilate saw that he was able to donothing, but that trouble
was working up, he took water and, washing his hands before the people, said ...
/y/yourselves.htm - 36k

Voluntary (17 Occurrences)
... Philemon 1:14 Only I wished to donothing without your consent, so that his kind
action of yours might not be done under pressure, but might be a voluntary one ...
/v/voluntary.htm - 14k

Necessity (22 Occurrences)
... Philemon 1:14 But I was willing to donothing without your consent, that your
goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. ...
/n/necessity.htm - 13k

Unmarried (13 Occurrences)
... 19:8 See now, I have two unmarried daughters; I will send them out to you so that
you may do to them whatever seems good to you: only donothing to these men ...
/u/unmarried.htm - 10k

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