The Bible portrays laziness as a trait to avoid, and throughout several books, it’s shown as an attribute that ultimately leads to ruin and dissatisfaction. Instead, the Bible encourages constant work, dedication, spirituality, and the pursuit of knowledge.
What the Bible Says about Laziness
In this context, the Bible presents different teachings against laziness in both the Old Testament and the New Testament to motivate followers to lead productive lives. The Bible consistently portrays laziness as a negative trait. This is evident in the Book of Proverbs, where repeated advice against slothfulness is provided, defining it as a characteristic that leads to poverty and want. According to the Bible, hard work brings a profit, while mere talk brings poverty.
Where Laziness Leads According to the Bible
From the Bible’s perspective, laziness is shown as leading to an array of negative consequences such as poverty, hunger, and general dissatisfaction in life. It preaches that it’s better to be proactive and work diligently, as it is not only beneficial for the individual but also for the community at large. The Bible advises that those who are lazy become a burden to others and can create unnecessary discord within a society. The Bible encourages work and industry as a means to contribute to the prosperity of the community.
Who Should Address Laziness
The Bible calls on everyone to address the habit of laziness. It suggests that effort and hard work are virtues that should be promoted and upheld by all. It emphasizes that those who work hard will enjoy the fruits of their labor, both materially and spiritually. The Bible indicates that those who are diligent gain wealth and respect. It encourages everyone, regardless of their societal status or life circumstances, to strive for a life of hard work and purpose.
Why Laziness Is Discouraged in the Bible
The idea behind discouraging laziness as per the Bible teachings is fundamentally about leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. The Bible implies that laziness hinders progress and might lead to a life of poverty and suffering. The verse in Proverbs makes this clear by indicating that laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. On the contrary, hard work is presented as a path towards not only material prosperity but also moral and spiritual fortitude.
When to Avoid Laziness
The Bible encourages avoiding laziness at all times. It urges individuals to work diligently in all seasons. According to the Bible, even during times of difficulty and hardship, it is important to maintain a diligent spirit and work ethic. The Bible advises that continual action and diligent work lead to growth and prosperity, both of which are signs of a successful life as per Biblical teachings.
Below is the full list of bible verses on laziness (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Laziness
Proverbs 13:4
“4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
Related Themes: Business Idleness Money Procrastination
Colossians 3:23
“23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
Related Themes: Creativity Business Attitude Money
Proverbs 10:4
“4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”
Related Themes: Idleness Idleness Work Homelessness
Proverbs 18:9
“9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”
Related Themes: Idleness Business Work Procrastination
1 Timothy 5:8
“8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Respecting Your Parents Children
Proverbs 21:25
“25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.”
Proverbs 24:30-34
“30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.”
Proverbs 20:4
“4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.”
Related Themes: Idleness Procrastination Business
Proverbs 20:13
“13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.”
Related Themes: Idleness Homelessness Poverty Discipline
Proverbs 19:15
“15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.”
Related Themes: Idleness Homelessness Boredom
Proverbs 12:24
“24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”
Related Themes: Idleness Procrastination Diligence Money
John 5:17
“17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.”
Proverbs 6:6
“6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:”
Proverbs 26:13-16
“13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.”
James 4:17
“17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Related Themes: Sin Adultery Gossip Procrastination
Proverbs 14:23
“23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.”
James 1:22
“22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
2 Thessalonians 3:11-12
“11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”
Related Themes: Gossip Idleness Busybodies Personal Responsibility
Hebrews 13:16
“16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Related Themes: Strangers Sharing Sacrifice Charity Pleasing God
2 Timothy 2:15
“15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Education Learning Morals Morality
Genesis 2:15
“15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
Related Themes: Earth Business Stewardship Work
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”
Related Themes: Business Hell Diligence Procrastination
Romans 12:11
“11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”
Proverbs 10:5
“5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.”
Related Themes: Idleness Harvest Procrastination Summer
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Self Discipline Quitting Determination Perseverance
Hebrews 12:11
“11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
Related Themes: Discipline Self Discipline Suffering Children Procrastination
Matthew 25:26-30
“26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Related Themes: Idleness Prosperity Abundance Reaping
Proverbs 12:27
“27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.”
Colossians 3:17
“17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Related Themes: Business Attitude Gratitude Thankfulness Dedication
