Chapter 27 - Work and Personal Responsibility

God Condemns Idleness and Gain Obtained from Evil or Idle Practices

God condemns receiving gain from evil and idle pursuits. Elder Spencer W. Kimball said, "I feel strongly that men who accept wages or salary and do not give . . . [fair] time, energy, devotion, and service are receiving money that is not clean." He also said that money obtained by evil or idle practices, such as theft, gambling (including lotteries), graft, illegal drugs, oppression of the poor, and the like is unclean money.

Elder Kimball defined the difference between honorable work and evil work: "Clean money is that [pay] received for a full day's honest work. It is that reasonable pay for faithful service. It is that fair profit from the sale of goods, commodities, or service. It is that income received from transactions where all parties profit. Filthy lucre is . . . money . . . obtained through theft and robbery, . . . gambling, . . . sinful operations, . . . bribery, and from exploitation" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1953, p. 52).


Discussion

  • How can idleness lead people into sinful practices?

Work, Rest, and Relaxation

On other days of the week, in addition to working, we should schedule some when we can visit with family, friends, and relatives. we may spend time to improve our talents and enjoy our hobbies, recreation, or other activities that will refresh us.