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What does the Bible say about idle time?

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The Bible warns against habitual idleness and calls God’s people to use their time diligently, wisely, and for the good of others, trusting God rather than earning his favor. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts laziness with faithful labor, showing that neglect brings poverty and disorder while diligence bears fruit (Proverbs 6:6-11; 12:11, 24; 24:30-34). Ephesians 5:15-16 urges believers to walk carefully and redeem the time in an evil age. Paul rebukes disruptive idleness and commends quiet, productive work (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; 1 Timothy 5:13). Yet rest is not condemned; Christians may receive it gratefully as God’s gift, while resisting sloth, gossip, and careless speech (Matthew 12:36).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 19:15

    Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.

  • 1 Timothy 5:13

    Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

  • Ephesians 5:15-16

    [15] Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; [16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

  • Proverbs 31:27

    She looks well to the ways of her household, And doesn't eat the bread of idleness.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

    [10] For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat." [11] For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies. [12] Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

  • Matthew 12:36

    I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

  • Proverbs 12:24

    The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, But laziness ends in slave labor.

  • Proverbs 12:11

    He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, But he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.

  • Proverbs 24:30-34

    [30] I went by the field of the sluggard, By the vineyard of the man void of understanding; [31] Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down. [32] Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction: [33] A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep; [34] So shall your poverty come as a robber, And your want as an armed man.

  • Proverbs 6:6-11

    [6] Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise; [7] Which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, [8] Provides her bread in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. [9] How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? [10] A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep: [11] So your poverty will come as a robber, And your scarcity as an armed man.

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