Busybodies in the Bible

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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians
Chapter 3

Busybodies Bible Study on Busybody Meaning
Busybodies in the Bible

It's wonderful having you back again at Daily Bread to study this last chapter in Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. Last time, Paul warned not to believe false teachers. Let's see how Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians now.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may be freely spoken, and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: because all men are not faithful. But the Lord is faithful, who shall strengthen you, and keep you from evil.

We have confidence in the Lord protecting you, that you both do and will do the things which we command you. And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Busybodies Bible Warning - Busybody Meaning
Busybodies in the Bible Quest

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves (stay away) from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received from us. You yourselves know how you ought to imitate us. We didn't behave ourselves irresponsibly among you, neither did we eat any man's bread for free; but worked with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be costly to any of you. Not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you to follow us. Even when we were with you, we taught you this, that if anybody would not work, neither should he eat.

We hear that there are some among you that are irresponsible, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now, them that are doing this, we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness (discreetly), and eat their own bread (what they earn).

But you, brethren, don't get tired of doing good. And if any man doesn't obey our word by this epistle, remember that man, and don't associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet don't count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation (signature) of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Busybodies Bible Fear and Busybody Meaning
Busybodies in the Bible Truth

Paul's focus in this concluding chapter seems to be on staying away from busybodies. How many times have you heard the saying, Idle hands are the devil's workshop? Well, people who have nothing to do, tend to mind other people's business instead of their own, and we've all done it, and seen it, too many times.

A person who doesn't have a focus in their lives, is a prime target for the devil to work through. Paul goes as far as to say, don't keep company with these people, so that they'll be ashamed, and warn them as a brother. That's very important, to warn them with love, because embarrassing someone to humiliate them instead of to bring them truth can cause terrible damage instead of enlightenment, which is the purpose. What would Jesus do?

And a little advice from an old Walt Disney movie called Bambi, A rabbit named Thumper quotes his momma saying, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." ... If being a busybody is a habit you have, break it. If there's anyone who admires you for talking about someone else, you really don't need the attention that badly now, do you? Now, if you're not a crybaby, and you made it through this paragraph without pouting, you did good.

Busybodies Bible Summary - Busybody Meaning
Busybodies in the Bible Conclusion

Speaking of doing good, Paul says, Don't get tired of doing good. I promise you this, you won't ever get tired of the rewards that you'll get for doing good, but the alternative will make you weary beyond belief.

Congratulations on completing another study of the New Testament. There's a lot more exciting studies ahead, so be sure and come back soon for Paul's first epistle to Timothy, right here at Daily Bread. God Bless.