Doctrine and Covenants 42:42 “Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.”
Being idle is not the same as resting or participating in recreation. An idle person avoids work, is lazy, and spends time doing nothing productive. An idle person does things that have no purpose, are frivolous, or pointless.
Idleness is specifically addressed in scripture. Proverbs 19:15 “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 “…if any would not work, neither should he eat.” Alma 38:12 “…see that ye refrain from idleness.” Doctrine and Covenants 60:13 “…Thou shalt not idle away thy time…”
Past LDS Church leaders have also cautioned against idleness.
“Society owes to no man a life of idleness, no matter what his age.” (J. Rueben Clark)
“…no free society has been able to support great groups in idleness and live free.” (J. Rueben Clark)
“I do not know of anything that destroys a person’s health more quickly than not working.” (Heber J. Grant)
“…to get all we can and give as little as possible in return—is contrary to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Heber J. Grant)
“…we are bound to honor the laboring man: and despise the idler.” (John Taylor)
How do you teach your children not to be idle?
How do you avoid idleness?
