What does the Bible say about sloth?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible condemns sloth as a spiritually and materially destructive refusal to use faithfully the strength, time, and responsibilities God gives, while calling believers to diligent service in dependence on his grace. Proverbs 13:4 contrasts lazy desire with the satisfaction that comes through diligence, and Proverbs 12:24 links faithful labor with wise stewardship. Scripture warns that idleness brings poverty and decay, as seen in Proverbs 24:30-34, Ecclesiastes 10:18, and Proverbs 19:15. Yet work is not a means of self-salvation: Christians labor heartily for the Lord, not merely for people, according to Colossians 3:23. Romans 12:11 therefore urges earnest zeal, and 2 Thessalonians 3:10 rejects habitual unwillingness to work.
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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.
- Proverbs 12:24
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, But laziness ends in slave labor.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."
- Colossians 3:23
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,
- Proverbs 15:19
The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, But the path of the upright is a highway.
- Ecclesiastes 10:18
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; And through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
- 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.
- Romans 12:11
not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
- Proverbs 21:25-26
[25] The desire of the sluggard kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. [26] There are those who covet greedily all the day long; But the righteous give and don't withhold.
- Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
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