20 Bible Verses about Idleness

We ask you brothers to warn the unruly and comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all men.

A lazy man hides his hand in the dish and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

He becomes poor who deals with a lazy hand. The hand of the diligent makes rich.

The lazy man says: There is a lion outside. I will be killed in the streets.

The lazy man says: There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. As the door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom. It wearies him to lift it to his mouth.read more.
The lazy man is wiser in his own conceit than seven men who can answer with good sense.

Our friends, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who walk disorderly and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them. You know what you must do to imitate us. We lived a disciplined life among you. We did not eat anyone's food without paying for it. Instead, we worked hard and struggled night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you.read more.
It is not because we do not have the right, but to make ourselves an example for you to imitate us. While we were with you, we used to tell you: Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat. We say this because we hear that there are people among you who are lazy and who do nothing except meddle in other people's business. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living. Brothers, do not grow weary of doing good. If anyone does not obey our word in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Do not regard him as an enemy. Admonish him as a brother.

They also learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but gossipers and busybodies, speaking things that they should not.

One of them, a prophet of their own, said: Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.

We desire that every one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope down to the end. We desire that you are not lazy, but follow those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Go to the ant, you lazy person. Consider her ways and be wise! The lowly ant has no guide or overseer. It prepares its food in the summer and gathers food at the harvest.

She watches over her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

You know what you must do to imitate us. We lived a disciplined life among you. We did not eat anyone's food without paying for it. Instead, we worked hard and struggled night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. It is not because we do not have the right, but to make ourselves an example for you to imitate us.

How long will you sleep, O lazy person? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. Your poverty comes like a traveler. Your need comes like an armed man.

As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who sent him.

The hand of the diligent will bear rule. The lazy will be under forced labor.

The lazy man desires and has nothing. The diligent man will be made rich.

The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns. But the way of the righteous is a wide path.

Laziness propels one into a deep sleep. An idle person will suffer hunger.