Idleness

October 13

Jeremiah 17-18

Psalm 114

Proverbs 24:30-34

2 Timothy 4

Idleness

“I passed by the field of the sluggard and by the vineyard of the man lacking a heart of wisdom, and behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles;  nettles have covered its surface, and its stone wall has been torn down.  And I beheld, I set my heart upon it;  I saw, I received discipline.  ‘A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,’  then your poverty will come as a robber and your want like an armed man.” 

Proverbs 24:30-34 LSB 

There are numerous verses in the Bible about the importance of work and the dangers of idleness.  We were designed to be productive.  If there is anything we learned from Covid, it is that people need to work.  It is not good mentally or physically to sit around all day with nothing to do.  Obviously, I am not talking about disabled people or those who are unable to work, but everyone who is able should be working.  And even if you have physical limitations there is generally something you can and should be doing.  “If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.”  2 Thessalonians 3:10 LSB   “Laziness casts into a deep sleep, and a slack-handed soul will suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15 LSB   “Poor is he who works with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.  He who gathers in summer is a son who acts insightfully, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.” Proverbs 10:4-5 LSB   “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”  Proverbs 12:11 NIV   “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11  LSB   While “Idle hands are the devils workshop” is not a specific phrase found in the Bible, the principle is certainly true.  Those who do not have anything to do often find themselves in trouble.  2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 gives specific instructions about those who are idle, “We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive.  They are not busy; they are busybodies.  Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.”  NIV

Not only is it important to work and provide for ourselves and our families, but work is also good for the mind and soul.  God created man to be productive and useful.  We are each designed with a purpose and inner need to fulfill our calling.  “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is enriched.” Proverbs 13:4 LSB   This verse is talking about that deep satisfaction we receive when we accomplish a goal.  There is no better feeling than to work hard for something and experience the joy and reward of accomplishment.  Earning something provides much more benefit than having something given to us that we don’t deserve.  God honors hard work and diligence.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” Colossians 3:23 NIV   God is watching even if no one else appreciates your efforts.  Work hard and you will experience the reward!