Sloth is more than being lazy and should never be confused with someone who suffers from depression. Depression is a condition that can inhibit a person from action because they have bouts of malaise, or not feeling well mentally. This can possibly be based on a phobia or traumatic event.

Sloth has also been defined medically as having reduced motivation or lethargy, a lack of energy. But in this context as a sin, it is chronic laziness where a person does not want to do because s/he does not want to do. Sometimes the sloth goes to find a mate who will “take care of them” or look for the easiest way to make money that doesn’t require a lot of effort, or just not want to make any effort because of a feeling of entitlement.

Sloth can affect one’s health in a very negative way because of this type of indifference. You could say that’s a sin because the neglect that results is an abuse of your body and deterioration of your thought processes.

There have been discussions about people who decide not to do something about certain situations rather than become involved. This can be considered a showing of apathy or it may just be a fear of not wanting to get involved in a situation. When sloth is involved, it doesn’t have to rise to either level. I can’t say it’s unconcern or apathy, but just not having the will power or desire to do. One example I can think of is when it comes time to vote. A slothful person will not only decline going to the polls, but will not want to fill out an absentee application or even be informed about the candidates.

A friend of mine told me that someone told her not to let her treasures get buried (or something like that). The meaning was not to allow yourself to pass over what you can do or have a talent for or miss your purpose. Sometimes we miss our purpose or don’t exploit our talents because of “other than” choices, but sloths just allow their talents or purposes to go unused or unfulfilled just because. We all have talents and there is something we are meant to do. I’m glad that people who have contributed to our lives realized this.