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100 Bible Verses about Lazy People

2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV / 398 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.

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV / 305 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.

Proverbs 10:4 ESV / 297 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 6:9-11 ESV / 206 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 13:4 ESV / 205 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 19:24 ESV / 158 helpful votes

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

Proverbs 20:4 ESV / 156 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 12:24 ESV / 150 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 6:6 ESV / 149 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 28:19 ESV / 128 helpful votes

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

Psalm 50:17 ESV / 115 helpful votes

For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.

Proverbs 14:23 ESV / 106 helpful votes

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

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 103 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.

Matthew 25:14-30 ESV / 97 helpful votes

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. ...

Proverbs 10:5 ESV / 91 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 13:1 ESV / 82 helpful votes

A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 18:9 ESV / 75 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 19:15 ESV / 72 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 10:26 ESV / 72 helpful votes

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

Proverbs 15:19 ESV / 66 helpful votes

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

James 4:14 ESV / 65 helpful votes

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Proverbs 21:25 ESV / 60 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 12:27 ESV / 55 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 20:13 ESV / 54 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 6:6-11 ESV / 52 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, ...

Luke 19:12-27 ESV / 51 helpful votes

He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ ...

Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV / 49 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 22:13 ESV / 42 helpful votes

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”

Proverbs 10:4-5 ESV / 41 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.

Ecclesiastes 10:18 ESV / 38 helpful votes

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

Hebrews 6:12 ESV / 37 helpful votes

So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

2 Timothy 4:2-4 ESV / 35 helpful votes

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 33 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV / 33 helpful votes

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

Proverbs 26:13-16 ESV / 33 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 26:13 ESV / 33 helpful votes

The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!”

James 4:17 ESV / 28 helpful votes

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 ESV / 27 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.

Ephesians 4:28 ESV / 27 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.

Romans 12:11 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Matthew 25:26 ESV / 25 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?

Proverbs 26:16 ESV / 25 helpful votes

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Proverbs 30:8 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,

Proverbs 21:5 ESV / 24 helpful votes

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

1 Timothy 4:1 ESV / 22 helpful votes

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 ESV / 22 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.

John 3:16 ESV / 22 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 24:1-34 ESV / 22 helpful votes

Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble. By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, ...

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 21 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 21:25-26 ESV / 20 helpful votes

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.

1 Peter 1:13 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 25:24-30 ESV / 18 helpful votes

He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 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. ...

Matthew 24:21 ESV / 18 helpful votes

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.

Revelation 3:16 ESV / 17 helpful votes

So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

Hebrews 13:16 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 ESV / 17 helpful votes

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

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV / 17 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.

Acts 17:11 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

John 5:17 ESV / 17 helpful votes

But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

John 3:16-17 ESV / 17 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Proverbs 1:1-33 ESV / 17 helpful votes

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, ...

Proverbs 12:11 ESV / 16 helpful votes

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

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 15 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,

Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV / 15 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.

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV / 15 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.

John 9:4 ESV / 15 helpful votes

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.

John 3:1-16:33 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ...

Luke 9:59-62 ESV / 14 helpful votes

To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 24:1-51 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. ...

James 2:15-16 ESV / 13 helpful votes

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?

2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 ESV / 13 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.

Ezekiel 16:49 ESV / 13 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.

Hebrews 6:11-12 ESV / 12 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.

Colossians 3:17 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Proverbs 28:1-28 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. ...

Proverbs 26:15 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.

Genesis 4:1-16 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. ...

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. ...

2 Corinthians 12:20 ESV / 10 helpful votes

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.

Romans 7:20-21 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.

Luke 16:10 ESV / 10 helpful votes

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

Proverbs 27:1 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Proverbs 22:14 ESV / 10 helpful votes

The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.

James 1:22 ESV / 9 helpful votes

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Acts 17:10-11 ESV / 9 helpful votes

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Matthew 24:48-51 ESV / 9 helpful votes

But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 ESV / 9 helpful votes

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

Proverbs 15:9 ESV / 9 helpful votes

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.

Proverbs 12:25 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 3:28 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.

Revelation 3:17 ESV / 8 helpful votes

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 ESV / 8 helpful votes

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

Proverbs 31:27 ESV / 8 helpful votes

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

Psalm 119:1-176 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! ...

Genesis 2:15 ESV / 8 helpful votes

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Revelation 1:1-20 ESV / 7 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, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ...

James 1:5 ESV / 7 helpful votes

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

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