The phrase "Idle hands are the devil's workshop" suggests that when people are not actively engaged in productive tasks, they may be tempted to engage in negative or harmful behavior. This raises amusing questions about the practicality of the saying, such as whether the devil is productive while we sleep or if someone physically incapacitated is exempt from his influence.
In J.D. Robb's "Brotherhood in Death," the protagonist humorously challenges the notion that one must constantly keep their hands busy to avoid temptation. The playful exploration of what it means to be idle invites readers to reflect on the balance between rest, productivity, and the potential for mischief lurking in our downtime.