Idleness and lack of diligence are condemned in Scripture as hindrances to a productive and fulfilling life. The book of Proverbs repeatedly warns against the dangers of slothfulness, noting that it leads to poverty and want, as seen in Proverbs 19:15 and 20:4. In contrast, diligence and hard work are promoted as essential virtues, with Proverbs 12:24 and 13:4 highlighting the rewards of industriousness. The apostle Paul also addresses this issue in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, emphasizing the importance of working to support oneself and not being a burden to others.
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For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, 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.
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.
The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.
The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed. The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him.
‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.