The Craziness of Laziness

I suppose every older generation of Americans finds themselves frustrated with today’s youth and says something like, “these kids today, they just don’t want to work!” I have said (and thought) that very thing myself. But the problem is that laziness is not limited to teenagers in modern America. Rather, idleness and slothfulness are far too common in our nation among people of all ages. I hate to be so blunt, but it is just true. 

On Wednesday nights, I am speaking on different topics addressed in the book of Proverbs. God’s Word, especially the book of Proverbs, is immensely practical and deals with real-life issues. You might be surprised just how much the Bible says about subjects like sloth, idleness, and work ethic. Recently, while preparing, I reached out to several small business owners. Each of them said the same thing: one of the biggest issues facing any company today is finding enough reliable employees who will simply show up and do their jobs. They each also affirmed what I have already written, that this issue is not limited to young people. Frankly, the proud American work ethic is nearly a thing of the past. 

I will concede that I am speaking in generalities. And yes, absolutely, there are still many hardworking Americans out there. I work a part-time job here in town, and there are some young folks there who are just great workers. Sadly, however, that is becoming far more of an exception than a rule. Anyone with any common sense must admit there is an ever-increasing percentage of people who are simply lazy. They don’t want to work. They don’t want a job. They just want everyone else to provide for their every want and whim. 

In a successful effort to buy votes (in my opinion), our government has subsidized sloth and, in so doing, created an entitlement mentality where a large proportion of people expect someone else to pay for everything! These folks don’t care who pays for it or how it gets paid for… as long as it doesn’t require anything of them. 

But here’s the problem: life just doesn’t work that way! A society simply cannot function this way for long. The federal government can’t just print more money. Regardless of what some simpletons think, that is just not the way the world works. Whether it is forgiving college debt, or recklessly handing out food stamps or having an open-ended welfare system – someone must work to pay for all that. None of that is free! Even though some politicians are really good at making it appear that way! 

Folks, you cannot reward the sluggard off the backs of the working class and not expect animosity to exist between the two. Those who have the discipline to get out of bed, work all day, and put in long, hard hours … understandably grow weary of having the money they have earned taken from them and given to the lazy couch potato whose entire existence relies on sponging off others. 

Now, don’t misunderstand me; we acknowledge some individuals simply cannot work. They are either disabled or face some hardship that will not allow them to work. Further, there are some folks who need financial assistance to help them through a rough patch. My own family received government assistance for a brief period. I don’t know a single person who takes issue with their tax dollars being used to help those who truly cannot help themselves or to give folks a hand-up (not a hand-out) for a brief period. However, many of us grow sick and tired of our tax dollars paying for folks who are just too selfish to get up and get a job. And we have the right to be upset and angered by this. 

The reason I know we have this right is because the Bible condemns laziness and applauds diligence. Throughout the Bible, slothfulness is denounced. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 states that if man “will not work, neither should he eat.” Again, the Bible made allowances for the disabled and infirmed but never condones slothfulness. In case you think I am being too harsh, let me give you just a few verses to consider; Proverbs 12:27, 13:4, 15:19, 19:24, 24:30-34, and 26:13-16. 

Each of those passages makes it clear that those who are able-bodied ought to provide for their own needs to the best of their ability. Rather than loafing around all day, making lame excuses, or expecting someone else to foot the bill, the diligent will work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

The sad truth is this: idleness leads to emptiness, and sloth ends in sorrow. The wise king Solomon knew this, which is why he warned against it. In truth, those disinclined to work will never find lasting fulfillment or satisfaction. We were not designed to be idle. 

I don’t have all the answers for America’s ills, but this I know; our nation cannot ignore Biblical morality and principles and be strong and prosperous. 

Someone once rightly said, “the most happy and productive people are those who are diligent for the betterment of mankind and the glory of God.” Amen.