Procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing tasks, is a common human tendency that is addressed in various ways throughout the Bible. Scripture encourages diligence, wisdom, and the prudent use of time, warning against the pitfalls of slothfulness and the neglect of responsibilities.

Diligence and Wisdom

Proverbs 6:6-11 offers a vivid illustration of the importance of diligence through the example of the ant: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer; she gathers her food at harvest. 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 highlights the wisdom found in nature, urging individuals to be proactive and industrious. The ant, without external prompting, diligently prepares for the future, serving as a model for human behavior.

The Value of Time

Ephesians 5:15-16 underscores the importance of making the most of our time: "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Here, believers are called to live wisely and purposefully, recognizing the fleeting nature of time and the urgency of fulfilling God's will.

Consequences of Slothfulness

Proverbs 24:30-34 provides a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglect and procrastination: "I went past the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was broken down. I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: 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 tangible results of procrastination and neglect, emphasizing the need for vigilance and timely action to prevent decay and loss.

The Call to Action

James 4:13-17 warns against presumptuous planning without acknowledging God's sovereignty: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin."

This passage calls believers to align their actions with God's will, emphasizing the importance of doing what is right without delay.

Encouragement to Persevere

Galatians 6:9 encourages perseverance and timely action: "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse reassures believers that diligent and timely efforts will ultimately yield positive results, encouraging them to persist in their good works.

In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance on the dangers of procrastination and the virtues of diligence, wisdom, and timely action. Through various passages, believers are encouraged to be proactive, make the most of their time, and align their actions with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls of slothfulness and neglect.Exodus 22:29
You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe fruits, and of your liquors: the firstborn of your sons shall you give to me.
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Proverbs 27:1
Boast not yourself of to morrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth.
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Ezekiel 11:2,3
Then said he to me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:
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Ezekiel 12:22,27,28
Son of man, what is that proverb that you have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision fails?
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Matthew 8:21
And another of his disciples said to him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
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Matthew 24:48-51
But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming;
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Matthew 25:2-13
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
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Luke 9:59-62
And he said to another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
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Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go your way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you.
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1 Thessalonians 5:2,3
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
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Hebrews 3:7-19
Why (as the Holy Ghost said, To day if you will hear his voice,
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Hebrews 4:1-7
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
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part ii.
... Procrastination is often but giving heed to her treacherous voice ... The Scriptures
favor the idea of frequency in giving ... may probably be adopted a general rule by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part ii.htm

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