The son is a "bump on a log," meaning unmoving, unmotivated, lazy, inactive, and stupidly silent. This person would sit around, accomplish very little, and rely on others to complete the tasks. Hiring an employee like that would be a negative influence on all other employees who are hard-charged and motivated to accomplish the company's objectives, and to make more money.

As far as the father who asks the ridiculous favor goes, he did not consider that all sustainable relationships (friendships) are based on mutual and reciprocal benefits. When one party is the continuous giver and the other party is the continuous taker, it's crucial to recognize this imbalance. Exploitation comes to mind. The world is full of false friends. Just look around, beyond the noise, and see how many relationships are sustainable over time.

Article:

There are two parts to the article. The first is the origin and history of the idiom," a bump on a log." The second is about relationships that could be defined as "bumps on a log."

History of the idiom,"bump on a log."

The phrase dates to 1863, used by Mark Twain."You have been sitting there for thirty days like a bump on a log." Since then, the phrase has been commonly used to describe a person in a derogatory fashion. In many cases, it is used to disparage a friend, for humorous interplay.

Relationships that are "bumps on a log."

It's essential to eliminate false relationships in your life that bring nothing to the table, of give and take. These relationships serve as clutter, drag you down to their level, and act as a counter force to personal success. To counter this, surround yourself with positive people who uplift and inspire you. Eliminate people from your life who do not subscribe to your positive attitude and enthusiasm. By doing so, you're actively creating a positive environment for personal growth, which spreads through all your relationships.