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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Laziness</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/l/laziness.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/proverbs/20-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/l/laziness.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Laziness</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/l/lazily.htm" title="Lazily">◄</a> Laziness <a href="/topical/l/laziness_and_hunger.htm" title="Laziness and Hunger">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#top" title="Topical Bible Verses">Topical</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Nature:</b> <br>Laziness, often referred to as sloth in biblical terms, is characterized by an aversion to work, idleness, and a lack of diligence. It is considered a vice that leads to poverty, unfulfilled potential, and spiritual stagnation. The Bible frequently addresses laziness, warning against its consequences and encouraging industriousness and responsibility.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>1. <b>Proverbs on Laziness:</b> <br> The Book of Proverbs provides numerous insights into the nature and consequences of laziness. <a href="/proverbs/6-9.htm">Proverbs 6:9-11</a> admonishes, "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit." This passage highlights the gradual and deceptive nature of laziness, leading to unexpected ruin.<br><br>2. <b>The Sluggard's Path:</b> <br> <a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Proverbs 26:13-16</a> describes the sluggard's excuses and self-deception: "The sluggard says, 'There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!' As a door turns on its hinges, so the sluggard turns on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly." This passage illustrates the irrational justifications and complacency of the lazy person.<br><br>3. <b>Consequences of Laziness:</b> <br> <a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a> states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." Laziness is directly linked to poverty and lack, while diligence is associated with prosperity and success. <a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a> further emphasizes, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied."<br><br>4. <b>New Testament Teachings:</b> <br> The New Testament also addresses laziness, particularly in the context of Christian living and community. In <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10-12</a> , Paul instructs, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: 'If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.' Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living." This passage underscores the importance of personal responsibility and contributing to the community.<br><br>5. <b>Parable of the Talents:</b> <br> In <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a>, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, which illustrates the importance of using one's gifts and opportunities wisely. The servant who buried his talent out of fear and laziness is rebuked and punished, while those who diligently invested their talents are rewarded. This parable serves as a warning against spiritual and practical laziness.<br><br><b>Moral and Spiritual Implications:</b> <br>Laziness is not merely a personal failing but a spiritual issue that affects one's relationship with God and others. It is seen as a failure to steward the gifts and opportunities God provides. The Bible encourages believers to be diligent, as seen in <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a> : "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This exhortation calls Christians to view their work as an act of worship and service to God.<br><br><b>Practical Advice:</b> <br>To combat laziness, the Bible advises cultivating discipline, setting goals, and seeking accountability. <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Proverbs 21:5</a> states, "The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty." By planning and working diligently, individuals can overcome laziness and fulfill their God-given potential.<a name="top" id="top"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Bible Verses</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a></span><br>The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm">Proverbs 18:9</a></span><br>He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a></span><br>But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a></span><br>The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>n.</I>) The state or quality of being lazy.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4468.htm"><span class="l">4468. rhadiourgia -- ease in doing, <b>laziness</b>, recklessness, hence <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> ease in doing, <b>laziness</b>, recklessness, hence wickedness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine<br> Transliteration: rhadiourgia Phonetic Spelling: (hrad-ee-oorg-ee'-a <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4468.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/6103.htm"><span class="l">6103. atslah -- sluggishness</span></a><br><b>...</b> Definition: indolence. Word Origin from atsel Definition sluggishness NASB Word<br> Usage indolence (1), <b>laziness</b> (1). slothfulness. Feminine <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6103.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_the_species_of_fear.htm"><span class="l">Whether the Species of Fear is Suitably Assigned?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Orth. ii, 15); namely, "<b>laziness</b>, shamefacedness, shame, amazement, stupor,<br> and anxiety." Because, as the Philosopher says (Rhet. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the species of fear.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_negligence_is_opposed_to.htm"><span class="l">Whether Negligence is Opposed to Prudence?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> prudence. For negligence seems to be the same as idleness or <b>laziness</b>, which<br> belongs to sloth, according to Gregory (Moral. xxxi, 45). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether negligence is opposed to.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_fear_hinders_action.htm"><span class="l">Whether Fear Hinders Action?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Therefore fear hinders action. Objection 3: Further, <b>laziness</b> or sloth is a kind<br> of fear. But <b>laziness</b> hinders action. Therefore fear does too. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether fear hinders action.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_g/the_sluggards_garden.htm"><span class="l">The Sluggard's Garden</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The first plain meaning of the word is to be kept in view. The whole Book of Proverbs<br> brands <b>laziness</b> as the most prolific source of poverty. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the sluggards garden.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/sermons_on_proverbs/one_lion_two_lions_no.htm"><span class="l">One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All</span></a> <br><b>...</b> to love their weakest children best, so is he fondest of this most imbecile of excuses;<br> at any rate, it serves him for a passable excuse for <b>laziness</b> and that <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chesterton/orthodoxy/viii_the_romance_of_orthodoxy.htm"><span class="l">The Romance of Orthodoxy</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But in truth the chief mark of our epoch is a profound <b>laziness</b> and fatigue; and<br> the fact is that the real <b>laziness</b> is the cause of the apparent bustle. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/viii the romance of orthodoxy.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/sermons_on_proverbs/the_sluggards_reproof.htm"><span class="l">The Sluggard's Reproof</span></a> <br><b>...</b> nothing." {cold: or, winter}" Proverbs 20:4. <b>Laziness</b> is the crying sin<br> of Eastern nations. I believe that the peculiar genius <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards reproof.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cassian/the_works_of_john_cassian_/chapter_xv_how_kindness_should.htm"><span class="l">How Kindness Should be Shown Even to the Idle and Careless.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> in well doing:" ye who following us, ie, our ways, copy the example given to you<br> by imitating us in work, and do not follow their sloth and <b>laziness</b>: "Do not <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xv how kindness should.htm</font><p><a href="/library/brown/christ_the_way_the_truth_and_the_life/chapter_xxiii_how_to_make.htm"><span class="l">How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> such a condition, and such a satisfaction in it, as that they may shift every thing<br> that hath a tendency to rouse them up out of that sluggish <b>laziness</b>, as not <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxiii how to make.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hutton/history_of_the_moravian_church/chapter_iv_peter_of_chelcic.htm"><span class="l">Peter of Chelcic, 1419-1450.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "As for love of pleasure," he said, "immorality, <b>laziness</b>, greediness, uncharitableness<br> and cruelty"as <b>...</b> He accused them, further, of <b>laziness</b> and gluttony. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv peter of chelcic.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/l/laziness.htm"><span class="l"><b>Laziness</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Laziness</b> (4 Occurrences). <b>...</b> (DBY). Proverbs 12:24 The hands<br> of the diligent ones shall rule, but <b>laziness</b> ends in slave labor. (WEB NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/laziness.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/lazily.htm"><span class="l">Lazily (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/lazily.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/lazuli.htm"><span class="l">Lazuli (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/lazuli.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/idleness.htm"><span class="l">Idleness (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (n.) The condition or quality of being idle (in the various senses of that word);<br> uselessness; fruitlessness; triviality; inactivity; <b>laziness</b>. Int. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/idleness.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/indolence.htm"><span class="l">Indolence (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) <b>Laziness</b>; sloth; inactivity; inaction, or want of<br> exertion of body or mind, proceeding from love of ease or aversion to toil <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/indolence.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/injury.htm"><span class="l">Injury (21 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Corinthians 12:13 For in what is it that ye have been inferior to the other<br> assemblies, unless that I myself have not been in <b>laziness</b> a charge upon you? <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/injury.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sloth.htm"><span class="l">Sloth (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Slowness; tardiness. 2. (n.) Disinclination<br> to action or labor; sluggishness; <b>laziness</b>; idleness. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sloth.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/charge.htm"><span class="l">Charge (379 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Corinthians 12:13 For in what is it that ye have been inferior to the other<br> assemblies, unless that I myself have not been in <b>laziness</b> a charge upon you? <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/charge.htm - 41k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/proverbs.htm"><span class="l">Proverbs (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> where the antithesis prevails, are the great elemental distinctions of life, wisdom<br> and folly, righteousness and wickedness, industry and <b>laziness</b>, wise speech <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/proverbs.htm - 43k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/diligent.htm"><span class="l">Diligent (33 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 12:24 The hands of the<br> diligent ones shall rule, but <b>laziness</b> ends in slave labor. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/diligent.htm - 18k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/laziness-Bible.html">What does the Bible say about laziness? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Proverbs-sluggard.html">What is a sluggard? What does Proverbs teach about sluggards? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/2-Thessalonians-3-10-no-work-eat.html">What does it mean that the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10)? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/laziness.htm">Laziness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Laziness (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">2 Corinthians 12:13</a></span><br />For in what is it that ye have been inferior to the other assemblies, unless that I myself have not been in <span class="boldtext">laziness</span> a charge upon you? Forgive me this injury.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">2 Corinthians 12:14</a></span><br />Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be in <span class="boldtext">laziness</span> a charge; for I do not seek yours, but you; for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a></span><br />The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but <span class="boldtext">laziness</span> ends in slave labor.<br /><span class="source">(WEB NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Proverbs 19:15</a></span><br />Hate of work sends deep sleep on a man: and he who has no industry will go without food. <br /><span class="source">(See NAS NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/l/laziness.htm">Laziness</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lazy.htm">Lazy (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/laziness.htm">Laziness (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cyprus.htm">Cyprus (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sapphire.htm">Sapphire (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shushan.htm">Shushan (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt (596 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/babylonia.htm">Babylonia (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/babel.htm">Babel (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon (270 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/religion.htm">Religion (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/assyria.htm">Assyria (124 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/l/lazily.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Lazily"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Lazily" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/l/laziness_and_hunger.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Laziness and Hunger"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Laziness and Hunger" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>