Idleness among children, as among men, is the root of all…
“Idleness among children, as among men, is the root of all evil, and leads to no other evil more certain than ill temper. If faith produce no works, I see That faith is not a living tree. Thus faith and works together grow, No separate life they never can know. They're soul and body, hand and heart, What God hath joined, let no man part.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Idleness prevents moral growth and breeds ill temper; faith without works is dead, and faith and works must be united like body and soul.
In simple terms: Idleness harms character; faith needs action.
Key Takeaway
Combine faith with deeds.
Themes
morality
faith
work
character
unity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- personal development
- community leadership
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you pair belief with action?
- What habits counteract idleness?
A Different Perspective
Faith alone may not change outcomes without practical effort.