The Eight Vices - Listlessness
Avoid people who aim to lead you astray, for he that refuses work, should have nothing to eat
If there is one vice that goes hand in hand with Dejection, it is Listlessness. Under the influence of Listlessness, a man becomes indifferent, languid and unheeding. He becomes a flacid spectator, with interest or desire to do or participate in any activity or labor. Listlessness is a harsh and terrible demon, that strikes at the 6th hour, tempting man with a hatred of work, to be be slack and fearful and filling his mind with doubt that his efforts are in vein and his time wasted.
These distractions are suggested, almost whispered in the ear and men become lazy and idle. And what do we do when we become lazy and idle, well we eat and drink. And in time of unnecessary consumption out of boredom, what other vice are we allowing to come forth? Yes, Gluttony will enter the scene and our troubles will multiply.
A person who entertains Listlessness and allows Dejection and Gluttony to occupy their time and get distracted by worldly things may give up the good life altogether. What is the point, they’ll say, when my efforts are wasted and my time can be better spent enjoying myself, feeding my flesh and desires.
If we are to protect ourselves from this devious demon we need to both check ourselves and also keep away from those that would seek to lead us astray
Avoid people who aim to lead you astray, for he that refuses work, should have nothing to eat
But I’m busy, I hear you say. Well think of that in this way. Do you wear those working hours on your sleeve for all to see and say congratulations, you are such a hard worker? Isn’t that Pride my friend? Do you work so hard that you then reward yourself with pleasures and chase money? That’s Avarice my friend. So you see now, how dangerous Listlessness can be.
An unruly man is listless, lacking in reverence, impulsive in speech, quick to abuse and unfit for stillness. Such an arrogant person destroys the tradition of the good life.
Another way to look at is is that listlessness breeds laziness, which breeds inquisitiveness, which breeds unruliness, which then leads to every other vice and sure destruction of ones soul.
Work quietly and eat your own bread
We should lead fruitful and productive lives, subduing listlessness with patience, prayer and manual labor.
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