The spirit of Slothfulness 

Robert Wurtz II

 

The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich (Proverbs 13:4).

 

Our text reveals the spirit (attitude) of slothfulness. It desires but won’t put forth the effort to obtain what it wants. It either goes without and ends up impoverished, or turns to some other nefarious method of getting it. When the slothful (lazy) person finds a source of quick money, they have both time and resources for idleness. And as the old saying goes, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

 

Laziness is not simply a personal failing; it is a societal plague that leads individuals down a treacherous path, often culminating in crime and moral collapse. The Bible offers a stern rebuke against this attitude in Proverbs 6:6-8, which commands us to consider the ant’s work ethic: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” This is not a gentle reminder; it’s a wake-up call to the slothful to take responsibility for their lives and actions. But unfortunately, lazy people hear these words, scoff, and ignore these (and other) biblical warnings to their own destruction.

 

Laziness: A Modern Plague

 

In today’s world, we witness the devastating consequences of laziness manifesting in various forms. Sluggards often resort to robbery, cheating, and drug dealing, driven by an insatiable desire for a quick buck. They pursue easy money. This is more than a pattern of poor choices; it’s a lifestyle selection that’s rooted in a profound unwillingness to get out of bed, discipline themselves, and work hard. As my father used to say, “The world doesn’t owe you a living!” This is true, but it doesn’t stop multitudes from living like it does.

 

Show me a sluggard, and I’ll show you a person headed for trouble. It sounds harsh, but it’s my conclusion after spending decades counseling men in prison or facing prison time to get their lives together. Those who indulge in laziness may believe they outsmarted the rest of us by finding shortcuts but in reality, they are setting themselves up for a life of crime and exploitation that destroys them and tears at the very fabric of humanity. If they had spent their life contributing to society, they could have one day retired, kicked back and enjoyed life. But they wanted retirement now and they haven’t even worked yet!

 

Robbed by Slothfulness

 

The Bible warns us about the severe repercussions of laziness. Proverbs 24:33-34 states, “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” This stark imagery illustrates the reality that laziness will lead to poverty. Often, these sluggards blame everybody but themselves for why they are broke, busted, and disgusted. But their own laziness robbed them! Their own laziness was the proverbial “armed man” who took everything from them. It wasn’t society, the government, or the so-called “rich man.” They did it to themselves when they rolled over in bed when the sun came up.

 

Lazy Raising

 

What happens? It usually starts in childhood: lazy kids who won’t do their chores and students who don’t get an education because they goof off while everyone else is working on their assignments. It’s not hard to predict. These kids are headed for the poor house or the big house, and it’s only a matter of time if they don’t change their ways.

 

Those who choose to fold their hands in slumber rather than work are inviting poverty and desperation into their lives. Slothfulness is ramrodding them toward crime as a means of survival. This is why Paul said, “Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labor working with his hands the thing which is good that he may have to give to those in need.” What a radical change from stealing from somebody to giving to somebody with a need!

 

Working and Eating

 

In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul emphasizes this principle: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'” This is a powerful declaration that underscores the necessity of labor. When individuals refuse to work honestly, they not only put their own lives at risk but also become predators, exploiting the vulnerable around them. Consider the evil nature of those who capitalize on the suffering of others by getting them hooked on destructive substances. What kind of person would profit from another’s addiction and despair? Such behavior is an affront to humanity and a stark reminder of how far laziness can take a person. Prison is just another stop on the road to hell if they don’t repent. 

 

The Value of Hard Work

 

Moreover, we must acknowledge that a lack of discipline in childhood can lead to a lazy adult. When children are not taught the value of hard work and personal responsibility, they grow into adults who shirk these vital lessons at every turn. Sloth is a systemic stronghold that impacts not just the individual but society. The burden of supporting those who engage in laziness often falls on the shoulders of hardworking individuals who pay the price for others’ laziness. The reality is that when the sluggard refuses to contribute, the diligent must foot the bill, leading to resentment and hostility.

A Testimony

I recently spoke with someone who had risen from the ashes of prison time. They work hard and do whatever it takes to ensure they earn every dollar they receive. I asked him point blank, “If you had a problem with laziness, would you have gone back to the penitentiary?” He affirmed, “Most certainly.” He’s a hard worker, and it’s kept him from the need for easy money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, laziness is a plague on society. It is a perilous way of life that can lead an individual to destruction, crime, and moral decay. The Scriptures warn against slothfulness, emphasizing that it will lead to poverty and despair. If a person commits robbery by selling drugs, that road will end in hell if they don’t repent. Selling drugs is like selling demons. It’s a damnable sin because it stumbles people into satanic bondage.

 

By embracing hard work and discipline, anyone can protect themselves from the thief of laziness and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Strive to cultivate a strong work ethic, serve others with genuine needs that are not the result of their own laziness, and honor God through your labor. In doing so, we not only provide for ourselves but also cultivate a more just and prosperous society,