19 Encouraging Bible Verses About Laziness

In this post, you’ll learn my favorite bible verses about laziness.

There are hundreds of verses about hard work, persistence, and faith in the bible. But what does the bible say about laziness?

I collected 19 of the most inspiring scriptures about being lazy I could find. Please share these with someone that is trying to overcome laziness.

Ready to learn my favorite laziness verses?

Let’s get started!

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Ephesians 5:15-17

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Colossians 3:23

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Genesis 2:15

And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

1 Timothy 5:8

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Matthew 25:24-29

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

Romans 6:11-14

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Hebrews 3:15

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Proverbs About Laziness

Proverbs 6:6

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

Proverbs 6:9-12

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

Proverbs 10:4

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Proverbs 10:5

He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Proverbs 12:11

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

Proverbs 12:24

The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

Proverbs 13:4

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 14:23

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

Proverbs 19:15

Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Proverbs 20:4

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Proverbs 26:15

The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

What Does the Bible Say About Being Lazy?

The word “laziness” does not appear in the KJV bible. But instead, it uses words like “sluggard” and “slothful” to describe people that are lacking energy and slow-moving.

God put Adam in the garden of Eden to work the soil and maintain it (Genesis 2:15). Therefore we must bring glory to God through our work.

Not working when we have the ability, is seen as a sin (2 Thessalonians 3:10–12).

More importantly, we are called to work not for work’s sake, but to have something to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28).

So, if you are trying to help someone overcome laziness, use these bible verses to guide them in the right direction. Show them how to use their talents to help others and glorify God at the same time.

When you find work that satisfies those requirements, you will have found the ultimate purpose of your life.

Now It's Your Turn

And now I’d like to hear from you.

Which Bible scripture about laziness was most inspiring to you?

Are there any bible verses I should add to this list?

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.