In the context of biblical teachings, "loungers" refers to individuals who exhibit laziness, idleness, or a lack of diligence in their daily lives. The Bible addresses the concept of laziness and idleness in various passages, often contrasting it with the virtues of hard work, diligence, and responsibility.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 6:6-11 : The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the issue of laziness, using vivid imagery to convey its consequences. 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 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." This passage encourages individuals to observe the industrious nature of the ant and to emulate its diligence.

2. Proverbs 10:4-5 : "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." Here, the contrast between idleness and diligence is highlighted, emphasizing the material and moral benefits of hard work.

3. Proverbs 19:15 : "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This verse warns of the physical and spiritual consequences of laziness, suggesting that idleness leads to unmet needs and spiritual stagnation.

4. Ecclesiastes 10:18 : "Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." This metaphor illustrates how neglect and idleness can lead to the deterioration of one's life and responsibilities.

5. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 : In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of idleness among believers. "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 emphasizes the importance of contributing to the community and the expectation that believers should lead productive lives.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the Bible's teachings on laziness and idleness underscore the value of work as a divine mandate. Work is seen as a means of fulfilling God's purpose for humanity, reflecting His creative nature, and serving others. The biblical admonition against laziness is not merely about economic productivity but also about spiritual discipline and stewardship of the gifts and opportunities God provides.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, the biblical exhortation against being a lounger encourages believers to cultivate a strong work ethic, to be proactive in their responsibilities, and to avoid the pitfalls of procrastination and complacency. It calls for a balanced life where rest is valued, but not at the expense of neglecting one's duties and calling. The teachings serve as a reminder that diligence and hard work are integral to living a life that honors God and benefits the community.

Christian Worship,
... This lower part of the basilica was used by merchants who met to talk about their
business, and by all sorts of loungers who met to tell and hear the news. ...
/.../chapter xviii christian worship.htm

Goths at Antioch
... They had managed to get to the Forum, but with little notion where they were; and
there a crowd of the loungers who infested Antioch gathered in knots about ...
/.../chapter xi goths at antioch.htm

Lifting of the Veil. August 21.
... I seldom pass those hapless loungers who haunt every watering-place without thinking
sadly how much more earnest, happier, and better men and women they might ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /lifting of the veil august.htm

The Sweet Uses of Adversity
... he makes soldiers"not by dressing them up in fine uniforms, to swagger at the barrack
gates, and to be fine gentlemen in the eyes of the loungers in the park ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the sweet uses of adversity.htm

Acts xvii. 1, 2, 3
... These heard the Apostle with interest, but the more ardent and fanatical Jews,
reinforced by the baser element--the loungers from the market place, made a ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxvii acts xvii 1.htm

Loungers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Loungers (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:5 And the unbelieving
Jews, having been moved with envy, and having taken ...
/l/loungers.htm - 6k

Unbelieving (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:5 And the unbelieving Jews, having been moved with envy, and having taken
to them of the loungers certain evil men, and having made a crowd, were ...
/u/unbelieving.htm - 13k

Jason's (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 17:5 And the unbelieving Jews, having been moved with envy, and having taken
to them of the loungers certain evil men, and having made a crowd, were ...
/j/jason's.htm - 6k

Lounging (2 Occurrences)

/l/lounging.htm - 7k

Lounge (1 Occurrence)

/l/lounge.htm - 7k

Assailed (3 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:5 And the unbelieving Jews, having been moved with envy, and having taken
to them of the loungers certain evil men, and having made a crowd, were ...
/a/assailed.htm - 7k

Setting (82 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:5 And the unbelieving Jews, having been moved with envy, and having taken
to them of the loungers certain evil men, and having made a crowd, were ...
/s/setting.htm - 32k

Seeking (182 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:5 And the unbelieving Jews, having been moved with envy, and having taken
to them of the loungers certain evil men, and having made a crowd, were ...
/s/seeking.htm - 35k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus