Laziness or unproductiveness. As work is hallowed by God's working, idleness is regarded as a sin against oneself and society.
Idleness reproached
In terms of daily labour
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Paul to the Christians at Thessalonica. See also Proverbs 19:24, Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 22:13, Proverbs 26:13–16; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15; 1 Timothy 5:13; Titus 1:12
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
In matters of faith
Hebrews 6:11–12 To Christians who were tempted to give up.
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Idleness discouraged by examples of industriousness
Proverbs 6:6–8 See also Proverbs 31:27 the good wife; Ecclesiastes 11:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9 Paul referring to his practice of not depending on others for his living
Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.
The results of idleness
Proverbs 6:9–11 See also Proverbs 10:26, Proverbs 12:24, Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 15:19, Proverbs 19:15, Proverbs 20:4; Ecclesiastes 10:18
How long will you lie there, O slacker? 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.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.