In the book "Brotherhood in Death" by J.D. Robb, a character reflects on the saying, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop," questioning its meaning and implications. They ponder the idea that if people are meant to constantly stay busy to prevent the devil from working, it raises absurd scenarios, such as whether the devil operates while we are asleep or incapacitated. The character finds the old adage, which is typically viewed as a moral teaching, to be overly simplistic and flawed.

This introspection leads the character, Roarke, to consider their own busyness and the necessity of staying active. It highlights the complexities of life and the challenges of remaining occupied while questioning the nature of good and evil. The passage invites readers to think about how societal pressures to stay productive can sometimes overwhelm or distort our understanding of morality and idleness.