Keep doing some kind of work, that the devil may always find you employed

Keep doing some kind of work, that the devil may always find you employed

In the context of Jerome, the quote "Keep doing some kind of work, that the devil may always find you employed" holds a significant meaning. Jerome was a Christian theologian and historian who lived during the fourth and fifth centuries. He is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate, which became the standard version of the Bible in the Western Church for over a thousand years.

Jerome was a prolific writer and scholar, dedicating his life to studying and interpreting the scriptures. He believed that by keeping oneself busy with work, one could avoid falling into temptation and sin. In his writings, Jerome often emphasized the importance of diligence and hard work in the pursuit of spiritual growth and salvation.

The quote "Keep doing some kind of work, that the devil may always find you employed" can be interpreted as a call to remain vigilant and focused on one's duties and responsibilities. By staying busy and productive, one can resist the temptations and distractions that may lead them astray from their faith. Jerome believed that idleness and laziness were breeding grounds for sin, and that by staying active and engaged in meaningful work, one could keep the devil at bay.

For Jerome, work was not just a means of earning a living, but a way to cultivate discipline, virtue, and spiritual growth. He saw work as a form of worship, a way to glorify God through one's actions and deeds. By dedicating oneself to a life of service and labor, one could align themselves with God's will and resist the temptations of the devil.