I came across a couple situations in just the past week which reminded me that narcissists are often “sluggards” (very lazy people). Why? In many cases the narcissist’s insolent pride creates a sense of entitlement which gives them the attitude that “what I want should just be given to me, without me needing to work for it”.
The Bible describes those with insolent pride and sluggards as two different people, but also provides some common characteristics. For example, the sluggard shows characteristics of insolent pride, either through thinking they are wiser (superior) to even wise men…..
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The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can give a discreet answer.Proverbs 26:16.
….. or through focus on the fulfillment of their desires….
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The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat.Proverbs 13:4
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For the sluggard, it’s all about “what I want”, pridefully focusing on his desires without demeaning himself by actually needing to work.
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This is similar to the one with insolent pride (narcissist), who also thinks he does not have to work, but can instead focus on what he wants – self-exaltation.
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Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant Than he who honors himself and lacks bread.Proverbs 12:9
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As discussed in a previous post, a narcissist often brags about his “accomplishments” instead of actually working to make them happen – talking instead of working.
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The sluggard and narcissist are different characters, but in some cases share the same traits. In addition to a prideful “know it all” attitude, they are both expert in making excuses or blaming others when they fall short of their responsibilities. Of the sluggard Proverbs says,
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The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!”Proverbs 22:13
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There is no lion in the street, the sluggard just makes up stories so that he does not have to go out and actually work.
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What do you do with this? As we have said before, the best thing is to recognize them beforehand and avoid them.
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The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it.Proverbs 22:3
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If you unwisely hire them (as one example), the next best thing is to place clear boundaries with attendant consequences….
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Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And blows for the back of fools.Proverbs 19:29
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….giving you the basis to kick them out of your business when they inevitably violate the boundaries
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Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out, Even strife and dishonor will cease.Proverbs 22:10
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