Topical Encyclopedia The term "shiftless" refers to a lack of ambition, motivation, or the unwillingness to work or exert effort. In a biblical context, this characteristic is often associated with laziness, slothfulness, and a failure to fulfill one's responsibilities. The Bible addresses the issue of shiftlessness, particularly in the wisdom literature, where it is contrasted with diligence and industriousness.Biblical References: 1. 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; she 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 industrious ant as a model for human behavior, urging the shiftless to learn from its diligence and foresight. 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 consequences of shiftlessness, which leads to poverty and disgrace. 3. Proverbs 12:24 : "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse underscores the idea that diligence leads to leadership and success, while laziness, or shiftlessness, results in subjugation and hardship. 4. Proverbs 13:4 : "The soul of the sluggard craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." The shiftless person is depicted as having unfulfilled desires due to their lack of effort, whereas the diligent person finds satisfaction through their hard work. 5. Proverbs 19:15 : "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This proverb warns of the physical and spiritual consequences of shiftlessness, which leads to a state of unproductiveness and need. 6. 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 shiftlessness in the early Christian community, emphasizing the importance of work and self-sufficiency. Theological Implications: Shiftlessness is viewed as contrary to the biblical work ethic, which values diligence, responsibility, and stewardship. The Bible encourages believers to work diligently as a form of service to God and others, reflecting the character of God who is portrayed as a worker in the act of creation (Genesis 1). The shiftless person, by neglecting their duties, fails to honor God and contribute to the well-being of the community. In the biblical worldview, work is not merely a means of survival but a divine calling that allows individuals to participate in God's creative and redemptive purposes. Therefore, shiftlessness is seen as a moral failing that hinders one's ability to fulfill their God-given potential and responsibilities. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Lacking ambition; inefficient; lazy; destitute of expedients, or not using successful expedients; characterized by failure, especially by failure to provide for one's own support, through negligence or incapacity; hence, lazy; improvident; thriftless; as, a shiftless fellow; shiftless management.Library Rights Constantine's Liberality to the Poor. Germantown, Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the Marquis Fontenelle had Been Nearly a Fortnight in ... The Rich and the Poor The Parable of the Lost Sheep The Teen Age Teacher The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way The Fainting Soul Revived The Domestic Relation. Thesaurus Shiftless (1 Occurrence)... by failure to provide for one's own support, through negligence or incapacity; hence, lazy; improvident; thriftless; as, a shiftless fellow; shiftless... /s/shiftless.htm - 7k Shack (1 Occurrence) Shifting (3 Occurrences) Shifts (1 Occurrence) Resources What does it mean that the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10)? | GotQuestions.orgShiftless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shiftless (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 19:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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