In the biblical context, the term "fool" often denotes a person who lacks wisdom, understanding, or moral insight. One of the characteristics frequently associated with fools in Scripture is slothfulness, or laziness. This trait is highlighted in various passages, illustrating the spiritual and practical consequences of a slothful lifestyle.

The Book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, provides several insights into the nature of fools and their slothfulness. Proverbs 6:9-11 warns against laziness: "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 underscores the idea that slothfulness leads to poverty and need, both materially and spiritually.

Proverbs 26:14 further illustrates the behavior of a slothful fool: "As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed." This vivid imagery portrays the fool's reluctance to take action, emphasizing a life of inactivity and wasted potential. The comparison to a door on its hinges suggests a repetitive, unproductive cycle, highlighting the futility of a slothful existence.

The New Testament also addresses the issue of slothfulness. In Matthew 25:26 , Jesus, in the Parable of the Talents, rebukes the servant who failed to invest his master's money: "You wicked, lazy servant!" This parable illustrates the expectation of diligence and the condemnation of slothfulness, associating it with wickedness and unfaithfulness.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, encourages believers to avoid slothfulness. In Romans 12:11 , he exhorts, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This call to maintain zeal and fervor stands in stark contrast to the slothful nature of a fool, urging Christians to be active and diligent in their service to God.

The biblical portrayal of fools as slothful serves as a cautionary message, warning against the dangers of laziness and the importance of diligence. Through these teachings, Scripture encourages believers to pursue wisdom and understanding, avoiding the pitfalls of a slothful life.Ecclesiastes 4:5
The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Broken Fence
... If this slothful person should be one of ourselves, may God's infinite mercy rouse ...
a person to die for, and whether the martyrs were not great fools for laying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the broken fence.htm

The Sluggard's Farm
... I am glad to be told by Solomon so plainly that a slothful man is void of ... the things
of God, we are void of understanding, we are acting like fools, we are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards farm.htm

Prior Hugh
... He was slothful and neglectful for not approaching the king in person (although
the ... Not only was the Order wronged, but themselves were made fools of, who had ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iii prior hugh.htm

Second Part of the Book.
... in his prayers who even thus far in the commands of GOD is slothful, and whom ... they
have done harm to many, therefore Solomon says "How long, ye fools, will ye ...
/.../second part of the book.htm

Turning Back in the Day of Battle
... "There is a lion in the way," saith the slothful man, "I shall be slain in the ... They
turned their backs, too, like fools, in the day when victory was to be won. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/turning back in the day.htm

False Profession.
... vipers; what does he call them but hypocrites, whited walls, painted sepulchres,
fools, and blind ... "I went," saith Solomon, "by the field of the slothful, and by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

On Redeeming the Time
... circumspectly," says the Apostle in the preceding verse, "not as fools, but as ... He,
therefore, that chooses to enlarge the slothful indolence of sleep, rather ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 93 on redeeming the.htm

Letter clxvii. (AD 415. )
... of this misery is hid from us is no reason for our being slothful in the ... was not
courage, but hardihood usurping the name of courage to deceive fools; for if ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxvii a d 415.htm

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... ever it will be proffered to them again, or no: I say, Wouldst thou not then call
them fools? ... But to speak plainly, all these are the words of a slothful spirit ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

Commendation of those who came to Hear after Taking a Meal. ...
... For whilst thou remainest at home, thou wilt be more slothful and supine; but coming
here thou wilt ... Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." [1448 ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily x commendation of those.htm

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