There are plenty of people between 18 and 65 who legitimately don’t want a job. There are college students, retirees, and housewives, for example.
IF A MAN WON’T WORK, NEITHER LET HIM EAT
Because the government doesn’t always follow Biblical principles, sometimes those who are unwilling to work are still provided food, shelter, and clothing.
This is hard for Christians to understand. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. (2 Thess. 3:10)”
There has always been the expectation that able-bodied people work and provide for themselves. Those who can work but won’t are a burden on everyone else.
“3 The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger, But He will reject the craving of the wicked.
4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Christians, who are characterized by generosity, are under no obligation to feed those who won’t work. It might seem heartless and difficult to follow, but lazy people don’t learn their lesson if they are continually supported and excused for bad behavior.
If God rejects the craving of the wicked, so should we.
OUCH!
That’s hard to write, but it’s true.