When it comes to the subject of laziness, the Bible has much to say. Consider the words of Jesus when he said, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” (John 5:17) We have a working God who expects the same from us. From the beginning it was God’s idea for man to work. (Genesis 2:15) says God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
With the definition of laziness being someone who has an unwillingness to work, this type of person will find themselves on the wrong side of what the Bible says about laziness.
Proverbs And Laziness
The Proverbs alone provide all the Scriptures we need to draw a quick conclusion about the Bibles opinion of a lazy person. The lazy are advised to observe the working ways of the ant and gain wisdom. From bringing poverty and a lack of food, to becoming a slave, laziness has nothing good to offer.
(Proverbs 6:6) Go to the ant, you lazy man! Observe its ways and become wise. ISV
(Proverbs 10:4) Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
(Proverbs 12:24) Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. NLT
(Proverbs 13:4) Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. NLT
(Proverbs 18:9) A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. NLT
(Proverbs 20:4) Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest. NLT
The New Testament And Laziness
If the Proverbs aren’t clear enough, the New Testament also speaks about laziness. The rule was given to those in (2 Thessalonians 3:10) that the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.
Hard work leads to an individual being able to provide for their household. On the other hand, laziness can lead a person to not be able to provide for their family. The Bible says this person has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)
Our Father’s Business
As Christians, we must be about our Father’s business. With so much work to be done for God’s kingdom, there is no room for laziness.
(James 2:18) But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ESV
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