“…Idle hands bring poverty…” –Proverbs 10:4
It amazes me to no end that some still dare to oppose President Rodrigo Duterte’s directives banning loiterers along the country’s roads and thoroughfares, ordering their arrest if they continue to idly while away their time on the streets.
As I see it, given their senseless attacks against the president, these critics can be rightfully accused of fomenting poverty and criminality.
The president’s intentions are clear against these loiterers (locally referred to as istambay, a loose Tagalog translation for the phrase “standing by” and having nothing to do); especially those who hangout on sidewalks, with some imbibing in alcohol or conducting rowdy behavior, often times partially undressed – the president’s order hits the nail on the head.
The president only wants istambay to stop loitering and instead be more productive. They can pursue a small-scale business, assist with household chores, participate in events conducted by their local barangay council or church, among other activities.
Filipinos are comfortable seeking alms
Unfortunately, many Filipino are used to loitering and depending on someone (usually a more diligent – “martyred” – close relative) feeding them and providing them with sleeping quarters, even if these are in shanties along dirty and filthy waterways (esteros).
What is revolting is these istambay receive, without any sweat or effort, dole outs from the government on a regular basis; this is money that includes money paid by minimum wage earners and street businesses.
Such handouts are equivalent to large scale theft, from taxpayers to loiterers.
In addition, the government is party to the “crime.” Why? They are providing these “government benefits” and, indirectly, consenting to loiterers stealing houses and lots intended for the police and military.
The group behind the occupation of these housing units cries poverty as their justification. Since when is stealing justified because of being poor?
“Idle hands”
The Bible manifest God’s contempt (even disdain) for loiterers.
I am aware of 15 verses from the Old and New Testament regarding the matter.
The first says we should not feed those who choose not to work. The second suggests those who do not devote their time to productive endeavors must be left to die by themselves. The third calls those who refuse to work “brothers to the master of destruction.” The fourth says “idle hands bring poverty.” According to the fifth, prosperity comes from hard work, but lack of work leads to great scarcity. The sixth declares the one who works his field will have plenty of food. The seventh says loiterers learn to steal, which they must stop doing. The eighth verse recommends whatever one finds to do with his hand must do it with all his might. The ninth states those who work with their own hands will be allowed to enjoy decent lives. The tenth says idle hands make their owners destructive and disruptive. The eleventh suggests anyone who does not work is unable to provide for his family and this makes him worse than an unbeliever. The twelfth advises every man must be like the ant, preparing their food in summer [and] gathering their food during harvest.
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