Apathy: Difference between revisions
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The Bible addresses apathy through various verses and teachings, often linking it to spiritual disengagement and the consequences of sin. | The Bible addresses apathy through various verses and teachings, often linking it to spiritual disengagement and with the consequences of sin. It is often the antitheses of industry, diligence, and [[works]]. Someone who is apathetic is not being a [[doer]]. | ||
[[Revelation_3#The_lukewarm|Revelation 3]]:13-18: [13] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. | As nouns the words '''[[apathy]]''' and '''[[sloth]]''' suggest some differences. The word apathy is often expressing a complete lack of emotion or motivation about a person, activity, or object; depression; lack of interest or enthusiasm; disinterest or indifference. While the word sloth is suggest more laziness; a mindset that demonstrates a slowness to act or persevere; there is a general disinclination to labor or to take any action. | ||
Here are some relevant Bible verses and insights: | |||
<blockquote> | |||
'''[[Revelation_3#The_lukewarm|Revelation 3]]:13-18:''' "[13] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. | |||
[14] And unto the angel of the church of the [[Laodicean]]s write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true<Ref name="thetruth">{{thetruth}}</Ref> witness, the beginning of the creation of God; | [14] And unto the angel of the church of the [[Laodicean]]s write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true<Ref name="thetruth">{{thetruth}}</Ref> witness, the beginning of the creation of God; | ||
[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. | [15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. | ||
[16] So then because thou art lukewarm<Ref name="chliaros">{{5513}}</Ref>, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. | [16] So then '''because thou art lukewarm<Ref name="chliaros">{{5513}}</Ref>, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.''' | ||
[17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: | [17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: | ||
[18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. | [18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." | ||
[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. | [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. | ||
</blockquote> | |||
The people were living in abundance in Laodicea but its affluence made them selfish and apathetic. When it came to the [[weightier matters]] they had grown complacent. | |||
Laodicean had gold and riches, and fine clothes and actually produced an eye salve used all over the empire, but Paul was using those terms metaphorically. Even their water which was aqueduct from a spring miles away was often lukewarm by the time it got to the city. This was a complaint of newcomers but the people had grown accustomed to it. | |||
Romans 12:11 Not [[slothful]] in business; [[Fervent charity|fervent]] in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. | |||
Zephaniah 1:12-13 | |||
At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.’ Their goods shall be plundered, and their houses laid waste. Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them. | |||
Revelation 3:2 | |||
Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. | |||
2 Timothy 4:3-4 | |||
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. | |||
Ephesians 6:10-12 | |||
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. | |||
Ephesians 5:16 | |||
Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. | |||
Romans 12:9-13 | |||
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. | |||
Proverbs 15:19 | |||
The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. | |||
John 5:39-40 | |||
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. | |||
James 4:17 | |||
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. | |||
Mark 14:38-41 | |||
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” | |||
1 John 3:17-18 | |||
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. | |||
Galatians 6:9 | |||
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. | |||
Hebrews 5:11-12 | |||
About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, | |||
Ecclesiastes 9:10 | |||
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. | |||
Hebrews 11:6 | |||
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. | |||
Proverbs 18:9 | |||
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. | |||
Proverbs 21:13 | |||
Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. | |||
[[Ezekiel 2]]:4: "4 For they are impudent<Ref name="qusheh">{{07186}}</Ref> children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD." | Proverbs 18:1 | ||
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. | |||
<blockquote> | |||
[[Ezekiel 2]]:4: "4 For they are impudent<Ref name="qusheh">{{07186}}</Ref> children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD."</blockquote> | |||
Ezekiel speaks to strongly obstinate children, who are resistant to spiritual messages and teachings, which is [[Apathy|apathy]]. | |||
[[Ecclesiastes 9]]:10: 7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. 8 Let thy [[garments]]"<Ref name="beged">{{0899}}</Ref> be always white(לָבָן)<Ref name="laban">{{03836}}</Ref>; and let thy head lack no ointment. 9 Live joyfully with the [[Fire|wife]] whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion(חֵלֶק)<Ref name="cheleq">{{02506}}</Ref> in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor [[wisdom]], in the grave, whither thou goest. | [[Ecclesiastes 9]]:10: 7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. 8 Let thy [[garments]]"<Ref name="beged">{{0899}}</Ref> be always white(לָבָן)<Ref name="laban">{{03836}}</Ref>; and let thy head lack no ointment. 9 Live joyfully with the [[Fire|wife]] whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion(חֵלֶק)<Ref name="cheleq">{{02506}}</Ref> in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor [[wisdom]], in the grave, whither thou goest. | ||
Revision as of 10:07, 15 January 2025
The Bible addresses apathy through various verses and teachings, often linking it to spiritual disengagement and with the consequences of sin. It is often the antitheses of industry, diligence, and works. Someone who is apathetic is not being a doer.
As nouns the words apathy and sloth suggest some differences. The word apathy is often expressing a complete lack of emotion or motivation about a person, activity, or object; depression; lack of interest or enthusiasm; disinterest or indifference. While the word sloth is suggest more laziness; a mindset that demonstrates a slowness to act or persevere; there is a general disinclination to labor or to take any action.
Here are some relevant Bible verses and insights:
Revelation 3:13-18: "[13] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. [14] And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true[1] witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [16] So then because thou art lukewarm[2], and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: [18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
The people were living in abundance in Laodicea but its affluence made them selfish and apathetic. When it came to the weightier matters they had grown complacent.
Laodicean had gold and riches, and fine clothes and actually produced an eye salve used all over the empire, but Paul was using those terms metaphorically. Even their water which was aqueduct from a spring miles away was often lukewarm by the time it got to the city. This was a complaint of newcomers but the people had grown accustomed to it.
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Zephaniah 1:12-13
At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.’ Their goods shall be plundered, and their houses laid waste. Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them.
Revelation 3:2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 5:16 Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Romans 12:9-13 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Proverbs 15:19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.
John 5:39-40 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Mark 14:38-41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.”
1 John 3:17-18 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Hebrews 5:11-12 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food,
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Proverbs 18:9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
Proverbs 21:13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
Proverbs 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
Ezekiel 2:4: "4 For they are impudent[3] children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel speaks to strongly obstinate children, who are resistant to spiritual messages and teachings, which is apathy.
Ecclesiastes 9:10: 7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. 8 Let thy garments"[4] be always white(לָבָן)[5]; and let thy head lack no ointment. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion(חֵלֶק)[6] in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
- This verse encourages being a doer in life with works and responsibilities preferring diligence to apathy and sloth.
Proverbs 18:9: This verse warns against being slack in one’s work, which can be seen as a form of apathy, and compares it to the destructive behavior of someone who tears down structures.
Galatians 6:7-8: This passage discusses the consequences of sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit. It suggests that those who focus on satisfying their sinful desires may experience spiritual apathy and distance from God.
Ephesians 4:19: This verse describes the state of those who have become callous and past feeling due to spiritual apathy, leading them to indulge in impurity and sensuality.
- ↑ Reference the truth
- Psalms 86:11 "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name."
- Psalms 119:30 "I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid [before me]."
- John 1:14, 17, John 8:32, John 15:1, John 18:37; Romans 15:8-9; 2 Corinthians 1:19-20; Colossians 2:9, 17; 1 John 1:8, 1 John 5:6, 20; Revelation 1:5, Revelation 3:7, 14, Revelation 19:11
- ↑ 5513 χλιαρός chliaros khlee-ar-os’ from chlio (to warm); adj; TDNT-2:876,296; {See TDNT 283 } AV-lukewarm 1; 1
- 1) tepid, lukewarm
- 2) metaph. of the condition of the soul wretchedly fluctuating between a torpor and a fervour of love
- torpor :
- A state of mental or physical inactivity or insensibility.
- Lethargy; apathy. synonym: lethargy.
- The dormant, inactive state of a hibernating or estivating animal.
- ↑ 07186 קָשֶׁה qasheh [kaw-sheh’] KufShinHey from 07185 קָשָׁה qashah hardin; adj; [BDB-904b] [{See TWOT on 2085 @@ "2085a" }] AV-stiffnecked + 06203 6, hard 5, roughly 5, cruel 3, grievous 3, sore 2, churlish 1, hardhearted 1, heavy 1, misc 9; 36
- 1) hard, cruel, severe, obstinate
- 1a) hard, difficult
- 1b) severe
- 1c) fierce, intense, vehement
- 1d) stubborn, stiff of neck, stiff-necked
- 1e) rigorous (of battle)
- 1) hard, cruel, severe, obstinate
- ↑ 0899 ^דגב^ beged \@behg’- ed\@ from 0898 (to act treacherously, deceitfully,) of the same letters ^דגב^; n m; AV-garment 107, clothes 69, cloth 13, raiment 12, apparel 4, robe 4, wardrobe 2, very 2, clothing 1, lap 1, rags 1, vestures 1; 217
- 1) treachery, deceit
- 2) (CLBL) garment, clothing (used indiscriminately)
- Note: Why does a word ^דגב^ with the Hebrew letters BeitGimelDeleth mean garment and deceit? See Holy Spirit.
- ↑ 03836 לָבָן laban [law-bawn’] or (#Ge 49:12) לבן laben [law-bane’]from 03835 לָבַן laban white, purify, make bricks; adj; [BDB-526a] [{See TWOT on 1074 @@ "1074a" }] AV-white 29; 29
- 1) white
- ↑ 02506 חֵלֶק cheleq [khay’lek] from 02505 divided or distributed, Greek 184 Ακελδαμα field purchased with the blood money that could not be mingled with Corban; n m; [BDB-324a, BDB-325a] [{See TWOT on 669 @@ "669a" }] AV-portion 40, part 22, flattering 1, flattery 1, inheritance 1, partaker 1; 66
- 1) portion, share, part, territory
- 1a) portion, share
- 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land)
- 1c) one’s portion, one’s possession
- 1d) (chosen) portion
- 1e) portion, award (from God)
- 2) smoothness, seductiveness, flattery
- 1) portion, share, part, territory