Definition and Context:
The concept of "not working" in the Bible can refer to idleness, laziness, or the absence of productive labor. It is often addressed in the context of moral and ethical teachings, emphasizing the importance of diligence and responsibility. The Bible presents work as a divine ordinance, established by God from the beginning of creation, and views idleness as contrary to God's design for human life.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 2:15 · "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it."
· From the outset, God assigned Adam the task of tending the Garden of Eden, indicating that work is part of God's plan for humanity. This passage underscores the value of labor as a means of stewardship and fulfillment of divine purpose.

2. Proverbs 6:6-11 · "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."
· The Book of Proverbs frequently warns against laziness, using the industrious ant as a model for diligence. This passage highlights the consequences of idleness, such as poverty and lack, and encourages proactive and responsible behavior.

3. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 · "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."
· The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of idleness in the early Christian community, emphasizing the principle that those who are able to work should do so. This directive serves as a corrective measure against disorderly conduct and promotes self-sufficiency and community responsibility.

4. Ecclesiastes 9:10 · "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom."
· This verse from Ecclesiastes encourages wholehearted engagement in one's work, recognizing the temporal nature of life and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully while alive.

5. Proverbs 14:23 · "There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
· The wisdom literature of Proverbs consistently affirms the value of hard work and the futility of idle chatter. This verse reinforces the idea that productive labor yields benefits, while idleness results in lack.

Theological Implications:
The biblical perspective on work and idleness is deeply rooted in the understanding of human purpose and divine order. Work is seen as a means of glorifying God, serving others, and fulfilling one's role in creation. Idleness, on the other hand, is often associated with moral and spiritual decline, leading to negative consequences both personally and communally.

Practical Applications:
Believers are encouraged to view their work as a form of worship and service, approaching their tasks with diligence and integrity. The biblical admonitions against idleness serve as a reminder to cultivate a strong work ethic, contribute positively to society, and avoid the pitfalls of laziness and complacency.1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Topicalbible.org

4021. periergos -- overly careful, curious, meddling, subst. a ...
... doing" -- ie spending () where it doesn't belong (or should not happen). ... From peri
and ergon; working all around, ie Officious (meddlesome, neuter plural magic ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4021.htm - 7k6213a. asah -- do, make
... dealt (22), desisting (1), destroy* (2), developing (1), did (310), did not do
(1 ... wage (2), waged (2), work (12), worked (7), worker (2), working (3), workmen ...
/hebrew/6213a.htm - 8k

"My Sin Shall not Hinder his Goodness Working. . . . A Deed Shall ...
... THE THIRTEENTH REVELATION CHAPTER XXXVI "My sin shall not hinder His Goodness working. .
. . ... "My sin shall not hinder His Goodness working. . . . ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xxxvi my sin shall.htm

That Whoso Knoweth not the Powers of a Soul and the Manner of Her ...
... is it, though we be blindly and lightly deceived in understanding of ghostly words
and of ghostly working, and specially those the which know not yet the ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the seven and 5.htm

Possessing, and "Working Out. "
... He delights in mercy. He wants to show that mercy to every soul. The religion of
Christ is not man working his way up to God; it is God coming down to man. ...
/.../moody/sovereign grace/chapter iii possessing and working.htm

On Working Out Our Own Salvation
... Does not his working thus supersede the necessity of our working at all? Nay, does
it not render our working impracticable, as well as unnecessary? ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 85 on working out.htm

The Excellence and Utility of Faith.
... For, if its existence is shown in its working, it is yet believed when about to
do and threatening, and when not working and present; and being believed to ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the excellence and utility.htm

Spiritual Epileptics.
... intervals, during which he who suffers from it seems in no way to differ from the
man in good health, at the season when the epilepsy is not working on him. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/4 spiritual epileptics.htm

The Very Simplicity of God's Means of Working, a Stumbling-Block ...
... Chapter II."The Very Simplicity of God's Means of Working, a Stumbling-Block to ...
utterance of some few words, is sprinkled, and then rises again, not much (or ...
/.../tertullian/on baptism/chapter ii the very simplicity of.htm

Reply to an Objection Founded on the Words of St. Paul (2 Cor. Iv. ...
... with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the presence of His coming."
For he does not mean that the coming of the Lord is after the working of Satan ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vii reply to an objection.htm

Rejection of Errors
... and free will are partial causes which together work the beginning of conversion,
and that grace, in order of working, does not precede the working of the will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/rejection of errors 3.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... far from seeking any righteousness, that they are rather seeking the fulfilling
of their own carnal lusts, working wickedness with greediness, not caring how ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi who walk not.htm

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