The Fruits of Idleness

Satan's playground

“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”. 2Thessalonians 3:11-12(NIV)

There are many proverbs that warn against idleness. They include: “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop” and “idle hands are the devil’s tools”.

Everybody who is able to work should eat the fruits of their sweat and not depend on others. Idleness results in people becoming a burden to others. When they have nothing  planned, people find activities to fill their time.This includes meddling in other people's activities; disclosing secrets and inventing stories that cause rifts between fellow workers or neighbors; day dreaming; immorality and other pleasure seeking activities; etcetera. Idle people are dangerous. This is why Paul warned against it. He supported himself making tents. He asked Thessalonians to imitate him and other apostles who worked to support themselves even while evangelizing in order to avoid becoming a burden to others. . Paul further warned the church against supporting people who had alternative means of supporting themselves (such as young widows), because. "…they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to...” 1 Timothy 5:13(NIV)

Work and utilize all that God has given you as you await your eternal reward.

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Keep doing some kind of work, that the devil may always find you employed. ~St. Jerome

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