Topical Bible: Being Lazy

◄ Being Lazy ►

Jump to: Topical • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Overview:
Laziness, often referred to as sloth in biblical terms, is characterized by an unwillingness to work or exert effort. It is considered a vice that leads to poverty, unfulfilled potential, and spiritual stagnation. The Bible frequently addresses laziness, warning against its consequences and encouraging diligence and industriousness as virtues.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs on Laziness:
The Book of Proverbs contains numerous admonitions against laziness, highlighting its detrimental effects. Proverbs 6:9-11 states, "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit." This passage illustrates the gradual and insidious nature of laziness, leading to inevitable poverty and need.

2. The Sluggard:
Proverbs 26:13-16 provides a vivid description of the sluggard, saying, "The sluggard says, 'There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!' As a door turns on its hinges, so the sluggard turns on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly." This passage portrays the sluggard as one who makes excuses, avoids responsibility, and is self-deceived in his wisdom.

3. Consequences of Laziness:
Proverbs 10:4 warns, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse contrasts the outcomes of laziness and diligence, emphasizing that hard work leads to prosperity, while laziness results in poverty.

4. New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament also addresses the issue of laziness. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , Paul instructs, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: 'If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.' Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living." This passage underscores the importance of personal responsibility and the expectation that believers contribute to their own sustenance.

5. Parable of the Talents:
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, which illustrates the importance of using one's gifts and resources wisely. The servant who buried his talent out of fear and laziness is rebuked and punished, while those who diligently invested their talents are rewarded. This parable highlights the expectation of productivity and the consequences of failing to act.

Theological Implications:
Laziness is not merely a personal failing but is seen as a spiritual issue that reflects one's relationship with God. It is often associated with a lack of discipline, poor stewardship of time and resources, and a failure to fulfill God-given responsibilities. The Bible encourages believers to work diligently as a form of worship and service to God, as seen in Colossians 3:23 : "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men."

Practical Applications:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate habits of diligence and hard work, recognizing that their efforts are ultimately for the glory of God. This includes being proactive in their vocations, serving others, and using their talents and resources wisely. The biblical call to avoid laziness is a reminder to live purposefully and to be faithful stewards of the opportunities and gifts God has provided.

Topical Bible Verses

Proverbs 12:27
The slothful man roasts not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 6:12
That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 10:4
He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Topicalbible.org

Library

Acts xii. 18, 19
... Why is it that the lame man does not walk upright? This very thing, does it come
of his being lazy, and not choosing to go to the physician? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvii acts xii 18.htm

The Same when at Rome, Being Led by Others into the Amphitheatre ...
... For, being utterly opposed to and detesting such spectacles, he was one day met ... as
it streams from the vomitories into the street, trace its lazy course into ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter viii the same when at.htm

The Eternal Revolution
... activity can be encouraged by saying that progress is natural and inevitable; that
is not a reason for being active, but rather a reason for being lazy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/vii the eternal revolution.htm

The Life of Mr. John Semple.
... had in such esteem and veneration, that all ranks of people stood in awe of him,
and particularly the clergy, he being a great check upon the lazy and corrupt ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 9.htm

On Sleep.
... argue great ostentation; and the ivory on beds, the body having left the soul,
[1478] is not permissible for holy men, being a lazy contrivance for rest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap ix on sleep.htm

The Answer on the Many Kinds of Food Provided in Holy Scripture.
... no difference in the matter of goodness and prudence between the lazy and the ... bearing
and producing much which is good for man's food without being cooked by ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iii the answer on.htm

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
... 'Then had the Church rest'"and grew lazy? ... if we throw together the clauses which
stand in the middle of this verse, and take them as being a description of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a birds-eye view of the.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... Can there be a lazy saint? ... Can there be virtuous vice? It is only when these
possibilities are brought into being that we then can find a prayerless saint. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

This Digression Steals Me a Little Further
... a mine of gold, and not to wisdom, (to dig for it) without being guilty, either ... such
glorious treasures as is promised; or else of a vile and lazy humour that ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/7 this digression steals me.htm

Orthodoxy i. Introduction in Defence of Everything Else
... I always find, however, that I am either too busy or too lazy to write this ... once
the fascination of a strange town and the comfort and honour of being our own ...
/.../chesterton/orthodoxy/orthodoxy i introduction in defence.htm