What does the Bible say about not working?
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The Bible teaches that believers should ordinarily labor faithfully, provide for their households, and avoid willful idleness, while trusting God’s grace in every circumstance. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, Paul addresses those able to work who refuse to do so, calling them to quiet, responsible labor rather than dependence on others. Ephesians 4:28 and Proverbs 14:23 commend honest work as a means of serving others and meeting real needs. First Timothy 5:8 stresses the serious duty of providing for one’s family. Yet Scripture does not condemn those unable to work because of weakness, hardship, or lack of opportunity; the church is called to patient care, wise encouragement, and loving discipline. All work is ultimately done for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."
- 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.
- Ephesians 4:28
Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:12-16
[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. [13] But you, brothers, don't be weary in doing well. [14] If any man doesn't obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. [15] Don't count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. [16] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies.
- Luke 1:37
For everything spoken by God is possible."
- Proverbs 14:23
In all hard work there is profit, But the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
- Colossians 3:23-24
[23] And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
- Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, But the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
[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.
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