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100 Bible Verses about Idle

Proverbs 19:15 ESV / 267 helpful votes

Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.

1 Timothy 5:13 ESV / 256 helpful votes

Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.

Matthew 12:36 ESV / 219 helpful votes

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Proverbs 31:27 ESV / 192 helpful votes

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Ecclesiastes 10:18 ESV / 144 helpful votes

Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.

Proverbs 18:9 ESV / 124 helpful votes

Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

Proverbs 12:24 ESV / 124 helpful votes

The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV / 106 helpful votes

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Proverbs 14:23 ESV / 104 helpful votes

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

Proverbs 6:6-11 ESV / 93 helpful votes

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, ...

2 Thessalonians 3:11 ESV / 91 helpful votes

For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 ESV / 84 helpful votes

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ...

Titus 1:12 ESV / 68 helpful votes

One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV / 65 helpful votes

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV / 62 helpful votes

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 53 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Proverbs 12:27 ESV / 52 helpful votes

Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV / 50 helpful votes

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 ESV / 49 helpful votes

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

Ephesians 5:4 ESV / 48 helpful votes

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

James 3:6 ESV / 45 helpful votes

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

Proverbs 20:4 ESV / 44 helpful votes

The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

1 Timothy 6:20 ESV / 41 helpful votes

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”

Proverbs 20:19 ESV / 41 helpful votes

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Proverbs 16:28 ESV / 41 helpful votes

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 39 helpful votes

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Romans 1:29 ESV / 39 helpful votes

They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,

2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV / 37 helpful votes

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

John 3:16 ESV / 36 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Proverbs 12:11 ESV / 32 helpful votes

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

Philippians 4:8 ESV / 31 helpful votes

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Luke 1:37 ESV / 30 helpful votes

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 30 helpful votes

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

John 1:1 ESV / 29 helpful votes

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

1 Peter 4:15 ESV / 28 helpful votes

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV / 28 helpful votes

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Colossians 1:1-29 ESV / 28 helpful votes

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, ...

Proverbs 10:5 ESV / 28 helpful votes

He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

Proverbs 15:28 ESV / 27 helpful votes

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Ezekiel 16:49 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.

James 1:19 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Titus 1:15 ESV / 25 helpful votes

To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.

2 Timothy 2:14-16 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

Galatians 5:22 ESV / 24 helpful votes

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

John 14:6 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matthew 5:43-48 ESV / 24 helpful votes

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ...

Matthew 5:37 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Proverbs 15:4 ESV / 24 helpful votes

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 13:4 ESV / 24 helpful votes

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 10:8-10 ESV / 24 helpful votes

The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin.

Proverbs 6:9-11 ESV / 24 helpful votes

How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Exodus 20:16 ESV / 24 helpful votes

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Colossians 2:1-23 ESV / 22 helpful votes

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. ...

John 14:27 ESV / 22 helpful votes

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Romans 1:16 ESV / 21 helpful votes

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Colossians 4:1-18 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ...

Matthew 12:37 ESV / 20 helpful votes

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Proverbs 26:13-16 ESV / 20 helpful votes

The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Proverbs 20:13 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.

Proverbs 10:4 ESV / 19 helpful votes

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 18 helpful votes

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

Ephesians 4:28 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Matthew 6:1-34 ESV / 18 helpful votes

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ...

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV / 18 helpful votes

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

John 8:32 ESV / 17 helpful votes

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Colossians 3:1-25 ESV / 16 helpful votes

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ...

Ephesians 5:16 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

John 16:33 ESV / 16 helpful votes

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 15:13 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:12 ESV / 16 helpful votes

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

John 13:7 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”

John 10:10 ESV / 16 helpful votes

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 8:12 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Luke 6:27 ESV / 16 helpful votes

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Matthew 22:39 ESV / 16 helpful votes

And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:37 ESV / 16 helpful votes

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Matthew 19:26 ESV / 16 helpful votes

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 11:28 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 16 helpful votes

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:2 ESV / 16 helpful votes

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

Matthew 5:16 ESV / 16 helpful votes

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:13 ESV / 16 helpful votes

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

Micah 6:8 ESV / 16 helpful votes

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Ezekiel 25:17 ESV / 16 helpful votes

I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I lay my vengeance upon them.”

Ezekiel 23:20 ESV / 16 helpful votes

And lusted after her lovers there, whose members were like those of donkeys, and whose issue was like that of horses.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 16 helpful votes

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV / 16 helpful votes

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 9:6 ESV / 16 helpful votes

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Proverbs 31:25 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

Proverbs 31:9-10 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 22:6 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 10:4-5 ESV / 16 helpful votes

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

Proverbs 6:6 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

Proverbs 4:23 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Proverbs 3:6 ESV / 16 helpful votes

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

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