Topical Encyclopedia Slothfulness, often synonymous with laziness or idleness, is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. It is generally portrayed as a vice that leads to poverty, ruin, and spiritual decay. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings and exhortations against slothfulness, emphasizing the importance of diligence and industriousness in the life of a believer.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." This passage uses the ant as an example of diligence and foresight, contrasting it with the sluggard's tendency to procrastinate and avoid work. The warning is clear: slothfulness leads to poverty and lack. 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 again highlighted. The diligent are rewarded with wealth, while the idle face poverty. The passage also underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and working hard during times of abundance. Proverbs 12:24 "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse suggests that diligence leads to positions of leadership and authority, while laziness results in subjugation and hardship. It implies that those who are industrious will have control over their circumstances, whereas the slothful will be subject to the will of others. Proverbs 13:4 "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." The desires of the slothful remain unfulfilled due to their lack of effort, while the diligent find satisfaction through their hard work. This highlights the spiritual and material consequences of slothfulness. Proverbs 19:15 "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This verse warns that laziness leads to a state of inactivity and unproductiveness, resulting in unmet needs and hunger. It serves as a reminder of the practical implications of slothfulness. Ecclesiastes 10:18 "Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." This imagery illustrates the neglect and decay that result from slothfulness. It emphasizes the need for constant attention and effort to maintain one's life and responsibilities. Matthew 25:26-30 "His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’" In this parable, Jesus condemns the servant who, out of laziness and fear, fails to use his master's resources wisely. The servant's inaction results in severe judgment, illustrating the spiritual peril of slothfulness. Romans 12:11 "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This exhortation encourages believers to maintain their enthusiasm and dedication in serving God, contrasting with the complacency and inactivity associated with slothfulness. Hebrews 6:12 "So that you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Believers are urged to avoid sluggishness and instead emulate those who demonstrate faith and perseverance. This verse highlights the importance of active faith and endurance in the Christian life. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 6:6-11Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 10:4,5,26 Proverbs 12:24,27 Proverbs 13:4 Proverbs 15:19 Proverbs 18:9 Proverbs 19:15,24 Proverbs 20:4 Proverbs 21:25 Proverbs 22:13 Proverbs 23:21 Proverbs 24:30-34 Proverbs 26:13-16 Ecclesiastes 10:18 Isaiah 56:10 Matthew 25:26,27 Romans 12:11 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 Hebrews 6:12 Library Concerning Worship. Testimonies. He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ... On the World and the Movements of Rational Creatures, Whether Good ... The Preface The Life and Passion of Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr. How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest. Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ... A Few Sighs from Hell; part i Resources Summary of the Book of Hebrews - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about boredom? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about capitalism? | GotQuestions.org Slothfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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