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What does the Bible say about idleness?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible warns that idleness is spiritually and practically harmful, calling God’s people to diligent, orderly, and fruitful service in reliance on his grace. Proverbs portrays laziness as leading to poverty, neglect, and unfulfilled desire, while diligence brings responsibility and provision (Proverbs 19:15; 13:4; 24:30-34). Proverbs 31:27 commends watchful stewardship of one’s household, and Ecclesiastes 10:18 pictures decay resulting from neglect. Paul teaches that those able to work should not live irresponsibly at others’ expense, but should labor quietly and provide for themselves (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11). Yet Christian work is not self-salvation, but grateful obedience to God, serving neighbor and honoring Christ.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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.

  • Proverbs 19:15

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

  • Ecclesiastes 10:18

    By slothfulness the roof sinks in; And through idleness of the hands the house leaks.

  • Proverbs 31:27

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

  • Proverbs 13:4

    The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, But the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10

    For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."

  • 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 12:24

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

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:11

    For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies.

  • Proverbs 18:9

    One who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

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