Bible verses about
Laziness
Jesus grew up working as a carpenter — a physically demanding trade. He delivers a scathing rebuke of laziness in His parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
Throughout the Bible, work is a privilege and a blessing from God. In the beginning, “the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15 NIV).
“If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat,” Paul advises, adding that such laziness is a hallmark of rebellious troublemakers (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11). May our work ethic always reflect our commitment to Godly excellence.
My work ethic reflects my relationship with Jesus
Colossians 3:17, 23-25
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him. And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
Laziness leads to poverty and brings shame to the family
Proverbs 10:4-5
He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth. He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
Even when I am tired, I will respond when Jesus asks me to work
Luke 5:5
Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.”
I must work as long as I am able
John 9:4
I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work.
Laziness enslaves people
Proverbs 12:24
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
Laziness is a burden on society and a sign of rebellion
2 Thessalonians 3:8, 10-11
Neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.” For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies.
Laziness leads to ruin
Ecclesiastes 10:18
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
God equates laziness with wickedness
Matthew 25:26, 30
But his lord answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where I didn’t scatter. Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Hard work fills life with joy and purpose; only the dead do no work
Ecclesiastes 9:9-10
Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life of vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity, for that is your portion in life, and in your labor in which you labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor plan, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.
Working to provide for my family is evidence of my commitment to Christ
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.
