Procrastination is a ubiquitous yet understudied theme in the Bible, discussed through implicit allusions and examples rather than explicit commandments. It touches upon several aspects of human behaviour, including laziness, indifference, lack of focus, and failure to follow through on responsibilities and promises. The Bible admonishes procrastination and invites followers to adopt discipline, commitment, readiness, and timeliness in their life practices.
What Procrastination Implies in the Bible
Procrastination, according to the Bible, isn’t just delaying tasks or responsibilities, but a sign of laziness and disregard for the value of time. It suggests a lack of discipline, purpose, and commitment, and might extend to indifference or lack of interest in God’s work. Consequently, the Bible encourages immediate action, attentiveness, and a sense of urgency towards deceitful idleness that essentially leads to unfulfilled lives and unmet potential.
Why Does the Bible Advocate Against Procrastination
The Bible’s stance against procrastination is rooted in its overall spiritual teaching. It presents procrastination as a negative trait that prevents individuals from fulfilling potential and hinders spiritual growth. It celebrates virtues like diligence, commitment, hard work, and proper allocation of time. Moreover, the Bible elucidates that procrastination leads to missed opportunities, unproductiveness, and the inability to respond to God’s calling promptly and decisively. By advocating against procrastination, the Bible encourages a proactive lifestyle that aligns followers with God’s plans and purposes.
How Procrastination Influences Spiritual Growth According to the Bible
Procrastination hampers spiritual growth by promoting complacency and passivity, which are contrary to the Bible’s call for active faith. Long-term spiritual growth, the Bible explains, is impossible without consistent endeavors and a strong dedication to spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, and charitable acts. The Bible implies that procrastination in these spiritual endeavours obstructs personal growth, inhibits the fulfillment of divine plans, and could lead to a deteriorated relationship with God and fellow humans.
What Are the Biblical Antidotes to Procrastination
The Bible offers several antidotes to procrastination. One of which is active faith, as it encourages followers to take initiative, be courageous, and push beyond comfort zones. It urges followers to not delay or deter responsibilities and to act decisively and promptly. Another antidote is gratitude, which helps appreciate the value of every moment and inspires followers to use time wisely. Also, the Bible endorses perseverance, hard work, and self-discipline as essential traits for living a purpose-driven life.
When Does the Bible Mention the Impact of Procrastination
The Bible, on many occasions, indirectly alludes to the impact of procrastination. It highlights the detrimental effects of delaying tasks, ignoring responsibilities, and wasting time through various parables and instances. These narratives illustrate the inherent truth that each moment is an invaluable gift and should be used efficiently for personal growth and service of others. Furthermore, some teachings caution about the regret and missed opportunities that come with procrastination, urging followers to be conscious of time and prompt in action.
Below is our full list of bible verses on procrastination (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Procrastination
Proverbs 13:4
“4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
Ephesians 5:15-17
“15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
Related Themes: Wisdom Life Wisdom Pleasing God
Proverbs 12:24
“24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”
Proverbs 20:4
“4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.”
Proverbs 27:1
“1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
James 4:17
“17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Luke 9:59-62
“59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Related Themes: Excuses
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
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
Matthew 6:33
“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Proverbs 12:25
“25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Related Themes: Worry Nervousness Anxiety And Depression Depression Stress
John 9:4
“4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
Luke 12:40
“40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”
Luke 12:35
“35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;”
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.”
Ecclesiastes 11:4
“4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”
Related Themes: Reaping What You Sow Reaping Business
Proverbs 14:23
“23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.”
Romans 7:20-21
“20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”
Galatians 6:9
“9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Related Themes: Patience Frustration Reaping Perseverance Quitting
Proverbs 10:4
“4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
Proverbs 18:9
“9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”
1 Thessalonians 5:2
“2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”
Proverbs 3:28
“28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.”
Psalm 119:60
“60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.”
1 Corinthians 14:40
“40 Let all things be done decently and in order.”
Related Themes: Organization Technology Orderliness Order
2 Corinthians 8:10-14
“10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:”
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 Laziness Homelessness Poverty Discipline
Colossians 4:5
“5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”
Related Themes: Time Wisdom Etiquette Reputation
2 Timothy 4:2
“2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
Related Themes: Patience Arguing Discernment Attitude Rebuking
Proverbs 5:23
“23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.”
Related Themes: Greatness
