8 Bible Verses about Idleness

and we exhort you, brethren, reprove the disorderly, comfort the pusillanimous, support the weak, and be patient toward all men.

We direct you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from all those of your brethren, whose conduct is irregular, and not agreeable to the instructions they received from us. for you know what an example we have given for your imitation: that our conduct among you was regular: that we did not eat any man's bread for nothing: but with toil and fatigue work'd night and day to avoid being chargeable to any of you:read more.
not, that we had no just claim, but to present ourselves as a pattern, which you should imitate, pursuant to the maxim, which we laid down, when among you, "he that refuses to work should be deny'd food." now being inform'd, that there are among you people of an irregular conduct, who neglect their own business, and busy themselves with the affairs of others: we command these persons, and exhort them by the Lord Jesus Christ, to stay at home, and earn their bread by labour. As for you, my brethren, be not weary of your commendable industry: and if any one should disregard what we have prescrib'd, signify it to us by letter, and don't converse with him, that he may be put to shame. however, don't treat him as an enemy, but reprove him as a brother.

besides, having nothing to do, they get the habit of rambling from one house to another, and are not only idling, but prattle and intermeddle, and utter what is not decent.

one of their own prophets said, "the Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies."

but we desire that every one of you may shew the same concern, continuing to discharge the condition upon which your hopes are founded: that ye be not unactive, but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them.

for you know what an example we have given for your imitation: that our conduct among you was regular: that we did not eat any man's bread for nothing: but with toil and fatigue work'd night and day to avoid being chargeable to any of you: not, that we had no just claim, but to present ourselves as a pattern, which you should imitate,