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100 Bible Verses about Idle Hands

Proverbs 19:15 ESV / 272 helpful votes

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

1 Timothy 5:13 ESV / 186 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.

Proverbs 12:24 ESV / 154 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 31:27 ESV / 132 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 16:27 ESV / 126 helpful votes

A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 ESV / 125 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.

Ecclesiastes 10:18 ESV / 119 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 18:9 ESV / 100 helpful votes

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

Ephesians 4:28 ESV / 96 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.

Proverbs 10:4-5 ESV / 90 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.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 ESV / 85 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. ...

Matthew 12:36 ESV / 84 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 6:6-11 ESV / 77 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, ...

Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV / 73 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 / 68 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 6:9-11 ESV / 64 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.

Proverbs 20:4 ESV / 60 helpful votes

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

1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV / 43 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 21:25 ESV / 40 helpful votes

The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV / 38 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.

Proverbs 12:11 ESV / 38 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 10:4 ESV / 34 helpful votes

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

2 Thessalonians 3:11 ESV / 30 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 13:4 ESV / 29 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 12:27 ESV / 28 helpful votes

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

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Proverbs 15:19 ESV / 18 helpful votes

The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

Proverbs 20:13 ESV / 16 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 6:10-11 ESV / 14 helpful votes

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.

Psalm 90:17 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Ecclesiastes 4:1-16 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. ...

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Titus 3:14 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV / 12 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.

Colossians 1:1-29 ESV / 12 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, ...

Philippians 4:8 ESV / 12 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.

Matthew 25:26-30 ESV / 12 helpful votes

But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Proverbs 31:24-30 ESV / 12 helpful votes

She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ...

1 Timothy 5:11-13 ESV / 11 helpful votes

But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 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.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV / 11 helpful votes

And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

Luke 1:37 ESV / 11 helpful votes

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 11 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 41:10 ESV / 11 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 12:24-28 ESV / 11 helpful votes

The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth. In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

John 14:27 ESV / 10 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.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 ESV / 10 helpful votes

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ...

1 Peter 2:1-25 ESV / 9 helpful votes

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ...

2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 ESV / 9 helpful votes

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.

Luke 10:2 ESV / 9 helpful votes

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 ESV / 9 helpful votes

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

Proverbs 31:14-22 ESV / 9 helpful votes

She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. ...

Proverbs 28:19 ESV / 9 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 24:32-34 ESV / 9 helpful votes

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 15:21 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.

Proverbs 10:5 ESV / 9 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 10:2-8 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. 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. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. ...

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 8 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,

Hebrews 6:11-14 ESV / 8 helpful votes

And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.”

Hebrews 6:2 ESV / 8 helpful votes

And of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 ESV / 8 helpful votes

And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Colossians 2:1-23 ESV / 8 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. ...

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 8 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

John 16:33 ESV / 8 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.”

Luke 10:1-4 ESV / 8 helpful votes

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.

Mark 16:14-15 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Matthew 28:19-20 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Ezekiel 33:7-9 ESV / 8 helpful votes

“So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.

Ecclesiastes 10:15-18 ESV / 8 helpful votes

The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning! Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.

Ecclesiastes 4:5 ESV / 8 helpful votes

The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.

Ecclesiastes 4:2-6 ESV / 8 helpful votes

And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.

Proverbs 23:21 ESV / 8 helpful votes

For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

Proverbs 10:25-27 ESV / 8 helpful votes

When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever. Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.

Proverbs 10:22 ESV / 8 helpful votes

The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 4:23 ESV / 8 helpful votes

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

Psalm 28:4 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward.

Joshua 1:9 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

1 Peter 5:8 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Ephesians 6:4 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Romans 8:31 ESV / 7 helpful votes

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Matthew 11:28 ESV / 7 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 29:15 ESV / 7 helpful votes

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Proverbs 22:6 ESV / 7 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 21:24-26 ESV / 7 helpful votes

“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

Psalm 23:4 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Hebrews 12:11 ESV / 6 helpful votes

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV / 6 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.

Proverbs 13:24 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-11 ESV / 5 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. ...

Proverbs 10:3 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

1 Peter 4:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

Hebrews 12:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Titus 1:12 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 ESV / 4 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.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. ...

Philippians 4:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV / 4 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.

Matthew 20:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’

Matthew 20:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

Ecclesiastes 10:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes

If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.

Proverbs 31:25 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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

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