An Idle Mind !

There is a set of English proverbs that are worded similarly:

• Idle hands are the devil's workshop
• Idle hands are the devil's tools ("Collections" 1808)
• Idle brains are the devil's workhouses (T. Fuller 1732)
• An idle brain is the devil's workshop (H. G. Bohn, "Hand-Book of Proverbs," 1855)
• If the Devil finds a Man idle, he'll set him at work (J. Kelly, "Scottish Proverbs," 1721)
• The devil finds work (or mischief) for idle hands to do

There are many variations, but they all follow the same theme: A person who doesn't have something in particular to occupy himself with doing will be tempted to occupy himself with sin.  The phrasing is not found in the Bible, but like many "chimney corner scriptures" it has its roots in a scriptural idea.  When we have too much free time, and we're not spending it with God, in the Word of God, we leave ourselves open to many sinful thoughts and temptations.  One thing I can personally think of is the internet and its world wide range.  Be careful what you click on, a virus might not only enter your computer, but enter into your home.

The one saying that we have heard momma and them use is: "the idle mind is a playground for the devil."  There are a lot of things that momma and them said and did that we should forget, but this is not one of them.  This is a good and true saying.  An idle mind is a dangerous thing.  We must preoccupy our minds with the Word of God, good works, positive activities, and most of all with "What Would Jesus Do?"

We must stay the course and keep the focus by keeping our minds and hands active for the Lord.

Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. (1 Timothy 5:13)