sloth
What does the Bible say about sloth? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
17 passages · most helpful first
4The lazy one is willing and then not willing. But the soul of he who labors shall be made fat.
24The hand of the strong will rule. But anyone who is neglectful will pay tribute.
10Then, too, while we were with you, we insisted on this to you: that if anyone was not willing to work, neither should he eat.
23Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as for the Lord, and not for men.
19The way of the slothful is like a hedge of thorns. The way of the just is without offense.
18By laziness, a framework shall be brought down, and by the weakness of hands, a house shall collapse through.
30I passed by the field of a lazy man, and by the vineyard of a foolish man, 31and behold, it was entirely filled with nettles, and thorns had covered its surface, and the stonewall was destroyed. 32When I had seen this, I laid it up in my heart, and by this example, I received discipline. 33You will sleep a little,” I said. “You will slumber briefly. You will fold your hands a little, so as to rest. 34And destitution will overtake you like a runner, and begging will overtake you like an armed man.”
25Desires kill the lazy, for his hands are not willing to work at all. 26He covets and desires all day long. But whoever is just shall distribute and shall not cease.
11in solicitude, not lazy; in spirit, fervent; serving the Lord;
15Laziness sends one into a deep sleep, and a dissolute soul will go hungry.
26But his lord said to him in response: ‘You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered.
9Whoever is dissolute and slack in his work is the brother of him who wastes his own works.
13Do not love sleep, lest deprivation oppress you. Open your eyes and be satisfied with bread.
25Desires kill the lazy, for his hands are not willing to work at all.
4Because of the cold, the lazy one was not willing to plough. Therefore, in the summer, he will beg, and it will not be given to him.
6Go to the ant, you lazy one, and consider her ways, and so learn wisdom. 7For though she has no ruler, nor instructor, nor leader, 8she provides meals for herself in the summer, and she gathers at the harvest what she may eat.
4The neglectful hand has wrought destitution. But the hand of the steadfast prepares riches. He who advances by lies, this one feeds on the wind. For he is the same as one who runs after flying birds.