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What does the Bible say about slothfulness?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible condemns slothfulness as a spiritually and practically destructive refusal to use the strength and responsibilities God gives, while calling believers to diligent, wholehearted labor for the Lord. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts the lazy person’s poverty, hunger, and decay with the fruitfulness and authority of the diligent, urging us to learn wisdom from the ant (Proverbs 6:6; 12:24; 13:4; 19:15; 20:4; 24:30-34). Ecclesiastes 10:18 warns that neglect ruins a household. Paul commands able-bodied believers to work rather than presume upon others’ support (2 Thessalonians 3:10), and exhorts Christians to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11). In Christ, ordinary work becomes worship when done heartily for God’s glory (Colossians 3:23).

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Proverbs 19:15

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

  • 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."

  • Proverbs 13:4

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

  • Proverbs 6:6

    Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;

  • Proverbs 20:4

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

  • Colossians 3:23

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

  • 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.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:18

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

  • Romans 12:11

    not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

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