In Works of Labour or of Skill
I would be busy too:
For Satan finds some mischief still
For idle hands to do.

This quote from Isaac Watts’s poem "Against Idleness and Mischief" underscores the moral warning against sloth and the potential for trouble that idleness invites. Watts employs a straightforward, almost childlike simplicity in his language, making the message easily accessible and memorable. By stating "For Satan finds some mischief still / For idle hands to do," Watts suggests that inactivity can lead one to engage in harmful or sinful behavior. This concept has resonated through the ages, becoming a widely acknowledged adage. Despite the simplicity of the verse, Watts's underlying wisdom reflects his didactic purpose, making it enduringly relevant. His clarity and moral focus are reminiscent of the moral tales found in the works of contemporaries like Blake, advocating for a life of productivity and ethical diligence. Watts's work, though critiqued for its lack of intellectual sophistication, nevertheless remains influential due to its clear moral messaging and timeless relevance.