Was Paul talking about the office psychopath ?

Question

Paul 2 Thess 3:7-12
"Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else's."

To QuestionThis,
Thanks. Terrific insight.

To M,
To j153e,
To cas,

Thanks. Terrific insight.

Answer 1

LOL! Nice one.

It’s an accurate description, but if that’s the case, I’m afraid our dear Paul is casting stones prematurely. After all, his revelations came from the *risen* Jesus—he had no part in caring for Jesus the Man. Talk about shoplifting recognition. :-)

So the World never changes. I feared as much…

But maybe we need the slackers. Perhaps we need some way to measure our progress; even if progress is impeded in the process. It could be that the idleness of one inspires achievement in the other. After all, it’s not only good examples that have the power to teach.

Answer 2

No, Paul is NOT talking about the office psychopath. He's urging Christians to walk worthy of the calling wherein they are called. He talks about how he came into their community and worked for his needs and didn't expect them to take care of him. As a spiritual leader he had the right to expect the people to provide for him. He did not do this, because he wanted to be an example to them of how they themselves should earn their own keep. He's saying that all should live circumspectly. Some of them were not living circumspectly, but were, "living in idleness, doing no work themselves, but interfering with everyone elses."

Answer 3

Dr. What pretty much got it right and I would only add that Paul was not talking about the office psychopath.

Answer 4

Yes - and I work with the person this verse is referring to. Pain in the 'you know". In fact, most of the bible is talking about office work in one way or another. I mean, even God appears in triplicate in the Christian faith!

Answer 5

that was the way i was raised, keep your nose to yourself and don't be a busy body.

that was paul's warning to the pauline church concerning butting into someone's business. he told them to mind their own business, that what other people did was none of their business. something the church seems to have forgotten over the years.

Answer 6

No... talking about those who talk **** about other people's work, but don't produce anything at all! At the same time abusing the product of another's work... Just read it!

Answer 7

I can't see how someone so described, would be or not be necessarily, psychopathic?

Upon what do you base your inference?

My answer would of necessity have to be no.

Wotan

Answer 8

Oh, yeah.

This is also seen in the "nanny state."

regards,

j.

Answer 9

They do that is why we must be strong and pray for guidance.

Answer 10

i guess so