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What does the Bible say about wasting time?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible warns against idle, self-centered use of life and calls us to receive time as God’s gift, using it wisely for his glory and our neighbor’s good. Ephesians 5:16-17 and Colossians 4:5-6 urge believers to make the most of opportunities by seeking the Lord’s will. Psalm 90:12 teaches us to number our days, while James 4:14 humbles us by reminding us that life is brief. Proverbs 6:6-11 commends diligent, thoughtful work rather than laziness, and Colossians 3:23 calls us to labor wholeheartedly for the Lord. Yet faithful use of time includes resting under God’s providence, recognizing with Ecclesiastes 3:1 that every season has its appointed purpose.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Ephesians 5:16-17 14 votes

    [16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore don't be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

  • Colossians 3:23 5 votes

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

  • Proverbs 6:9-11 5 votes

    [9] How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? [10] A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep: [11] So your poverty will come as a robber, And your scarcity as an armed man.

  • Psalms 90:12 4 votes

    So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1 4 votes

    For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

  • Proverbs 6:6-8 4 votes

    [6] Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise; [7] Which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, [8] Provides her bread in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.

  • James 4:14 4 votes

    Whereas you don't know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.

  • Colossians 4:5-6 3 votes

    [5] Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. [6] Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 2 votes

    [19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

  • Ephesians 4:28 2 votes

    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.

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