Topical Encyclopedia Procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing tasks, is a behavior that Scripture implicitly warns against through various teachings on diligence, stewardship, and the wise use of time. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the term "procrastination," its principles guide believers to avoid such tendencies, emphasizing the importance of promptness and responsibility in fulfilling one's duties.Biblical Principles Against Procrastination 1. Diligence and Hard Work: The Bible frequently extols the virtues of diligence and hard work, contrasting them with laziness and sloth. Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "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 and gathers her food at harvest." This passage encourages believers to be proactive and industrious, learning from the ant's example of preparation and timely action. 2. Stewardship of Time: Ephesians 5:15-16 instructs, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This exhortation highlights the importance of making the most of every opportunity, recognizing that time is a precious resource entrusted to us by God. Procrastination, therefore, is seen as a failure to steward time wisely. 3. The Urgency of Obedience: Scripture often emphasizes the need for immediate obedience to God's commands. In Matthew 4:19-20 , Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." The text notes, "At once they left their nets and followed Him." The disciples' prompt response serves as a model for believers, illustrating the importance of immediate action in response to God's call. 4. Avoiding Slothfulness: Proverbs 13:4 states, "The soul of the sluggard craves yet gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." This proverb contrasts the unfulfilled desires of the procrastinator with the satisfaction of those who are diligent, underscoring the negative consequences of delaying necessary actions. 5. The Parable of the Talents: In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where servants are entrusted with their master's wealth. The servant who buried his talent out of fear and inaction is rebuked as "wicked and lazy" (Matthew 25:26). This parable illustrates the expectation that believers actively use their God-given gifts and opportunities, rather than delaying or neglecting their responsibilities. Examples of Saints Avoiding Procrastination 1. Nehemiah: When Nehemiah learned of Jerusalem's broken walls, he immediately sought permission from King Artaxerxes to rebuild them (Nehemiah 2:4-5). His swift action and leadership exemplify a proactive approach to addressing urgent needs. 2. Paul the Apostle: The Apostle Paul is a model of urgency in ministry. In Acts 20:31 , he reminds the Ephesian elders, "Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." Paul's tireless dedication to his mission reflects a life free from procrastination. 3. Ruth: In the Book of Ruth, Ruth's decision to glean in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi demonstrates initiative and diligence (Ruth 2:2). Her actions lead to her eventual redemption and blessing, showing the rewards of timely and faithful work. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently encourages believers to avoid procrastination by embracing diligence, wise stewardship of time, and prompt obedience to God's will. Through the examples of saints and the teachings of Scripture, Christians are called to live lives marked by purposeful action and faithful service. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 27:8When you said, Seek you my face; my heart said to you, Your face, LORD, will I seek. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 119:60 Library Presumptuous Sins One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All Quenching the Spirit. The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ... To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. Resources Are there any true differences between millennials and people from other generations? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a vagabond in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is up with Millennials? | GotQuestions.org Lazy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Procrastination: Condemned by Christ Procrastination: Danger of Illustrated Procrastination: General Scriptures Concerning Procrastination: Motives for Avoiding: The Present the Accepted Time Procrastination: Motives for Avoiding: The Present the Best Time Procrastination: Motives for Avoiding: The Uncertainty of Life Procrastination: To be Avoided in Glorifying God Procrastination: To be Avoided in Hearkening to God Procrastination: To be Avoided in Keeping God's Commandments Procrastination: To be Avoided in Making offerings to God Procrastination: To be Avoided in Performance of Vows Procrastination: To be Avoided in Seeking God Related Terms |