Idleness is the Enemy of the Soul

St. Benedict of Nursia, a renowned Christian monk and the founder of the Benedictine Order, once said, “Idleness is the enemy of the soul.” These words of wisdom have echoed through the centuries, reminding us of the dangers of wasting our precious time and energy on frivolous pursuits. St. Benedict’s message is a call to action, urging us to be diligent, hardworking, and, above all, unwavering in our commitment to our faith. In a world brimming with distractions and temptations that seek to divert us from our spiritual path, the wisdom of St. Benedict remains as pertinent today as it was in his era.

As I reflected on my own recent experiences of indulging in football games, tv streaming and social media, I couldn’t help but think about the profound truth in St. Benedict’s words. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of idleness, to get caught up in mindless entertainment and distractions that divert us from our true purpose in life. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying a good TV series or keeping up with the latest news and trends on social media, it’s crucial to maintain a sense of balance and intention in our activities. 

The Bible consistently underscores the significance of steering clear of idleness, a term that can be found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Here are my favorite verses that remind me of the importance of hard work, diligence, and purpose in our calling. Every time I come across this word in the Bible, it keeps me in check that I must continue to put in the work as God has intended us to do. What does idleness mean to you? 

Ecclesiastes 11:6

Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.

1 Timothy 5:13

13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Ecclesiastes 10:18

By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.

Proverbs 19:15

Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 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.

Exodus 5:17 

But he said, “You are idle, you are idle; that is why you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.’

-HC