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.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 13:4 10 votes
The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
- Proverbs 12:24 6 votes
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 6 votes
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.”
- Colossians 3:23 5 votes
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
- Proverbs 15:19 4 votes
The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.
- Ecclesiastes 10:18 3 votes
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
- Proverbs 24:30-34 3 votes
I went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the man void of understanding. Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, so your poverty will come as a robber and your want as an armed man.
- Romans 12:11 3 votes
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,
- Proverbs 21:25-26 3 votes
The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold.
- Proverbs 19:15 3 votes
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
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