2 Thessalonians 3

"If any would not work, neither should he eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Sometimes I think this was my mother's favorite bible verse when I was growing up, that and Numbers 32:23, "Be sure your sin will find you out." I seriously thought there was something mystical about the way she could figure out when I'd done something wrong, or was lying. Turns out I was just a stupid kid who was a little bit too obvious in my evil doing, but I think it's funny that after reading in Proverbs how it is the responsibility of society to help the poor, Paul goes on and on in this chapter about how he didn't take handouts, how he worked for his keep, and so should everyone else.

Which brings me to the point of balance. This verse does not say, anyone who doesn't work shouldn't eat, it says "would not work", which means work was available and the person was able to do the work offered, and chose not to do it.

I honestly don't think there are many people in that position. I think most people like being productive, but I sure have met people who were capable of work and refused.

Of course being productive has, at times, been an urgent matter of survival, so much so that in some cultures it was considered honorable for those who were no longer able to contribute to their family group to sacrifice themselves.


I am glad I was brought up with a strong work ethic, and I think those who can work and want to work should be given that opportunity, but the flip side of that is not everyone is able to work, and they should be cared for with love and compassion.