Bible Dictionaries
Slothful

Holman Bible Dictionary

A loose, undisciplined person. The Hebrew term can refer to a bow not strung or equipped with an arrow for action (Psalm 78:57; Hosea 7:16 ). A same or related Hebrew root describes a loose tongue or mind as deceitful (Job 13:7; Job 27:4; Psalm 32:2; Psalm 52:4; Micah 6:12 ). The slothful person cannot lead but becomes subjected to another's rule (Proverbs 12:24; compare Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 19:15 ). God's work must not be done in such a spirit (Jeremiah 48:10 ). See Judges 18:9 ). The wise, hardworking ant illustrates the opposite of sloth (Proverbs 6:6 ), while the slothful wants only to sleep (Proverbs 6:9; compare Proverbs 10:26; Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 15:19; Proverbs 19:24; Proverbs 20:4; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 22:13; Proverbs 24:30; Proverbs 26:16 ). The virtuous woman is the opposite of slothful, not having to live with the results of idle sloth (Proverbs 31:27 ). Ecclesiastes apparently coined a word for slothfulness twice over and the resulting decay of present gain (Proverbs 10:18 ). Jesus condemned a wicked, slothful servant (Matthew 25:26 ) but praised and rewarded the “good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23 ).