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What does the Bible say about laziness?

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The Bible warns that laziness is spiritually and practically destructive, while commending diligent, faithful labor done in dependence on God and for his glory. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts the sluggard’s empty desires, poverty, and ruin with the fruitfulness of steady work (Proverbs 13:4; 10:4; 21:25; 24:30-34). Neglect of one’s responsibilities, especially care for one’s household, is treated seriously (1 Timothy 5:8). Yet work is not a way to earn God’s favor; believers labor gratefully because they belong to Christ. Colossians 3:23 calls Christians to work wholeheartedly for the Lord, and 2 Thessalonians 3:10 rejects idleness that burdens others.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Proverbs 13:4

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

  • Colossians 3:23

    And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,

  • 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 10:4

    He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, But the hand of the diligent brings wealth.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • Proverbs 18:9

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

  • Proverbs 21:25

    The desire of the sluggard kills him, For his hands refuse to labor.

  • 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 20:4

    The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

  • Proverbs 19:15

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

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