12 Bible Verses About Procrastination

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about procrastination

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about procrastination:

1. Proverbs 13:4 – “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
2. Proverbs 20:4 – “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.”
3. Proverbs 24:30-34 – “I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.”
4. Ecclesiastes 11:4 – “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”
5. Matthew 25:26 – “His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed.”
6. Hebrews 6:12 – “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

7. Proverbs 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
8. Proverbs 10:4 – “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
9. Proverbs 12:24 – “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”
10. Proverbs 15:19 – “The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.”
11. Proverbs 18:9 – “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”
12. Proverbs 19:15 – “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.”

What does the bible say about procrastination?

The Bible addresses procrastination as a behavior that is unwise and can lead to negative consequences.

It emphasizes the importance of being diligent, responsible, and proactive in all aspects of life.

The Bible encourages believers to make the most of their time and not to delay important tasks or decisions.

It warns against laziness and urges individuals to take action promptly.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that procrastination can hinder personal growth, productivity, and spiritual development, and that it is important to prioritize and act with intentionality.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about procrastination?

1. Proverbs 6 – This chapter discusses the consequences of laziness and procrastination, emphasizing the importance of being diligent and responsible in all aspects of life.

2. Ecclesiastes 3 – This chapter talks about the importance of timing and not delaying important tasks or decisions. It highlights the idea that there is a time for everything, and procrastination can lead to missed opportunities.

3. Matthew 25 – This chapter includes the parable of the talents, which teaches the importance of using our time and resources wisely and not procrastinating in our responsibilities and duties.

These chapters are relevant to procrastination because they emphasize the negative consequences of putting off important tasks and the importance of being diligent and responsible in managing our time and resources. They serve as reminders to avoid procrastination and to prioritize our responsibilities in order to lead a fulfilling and productive life.

Ideas and concepts related to procrastination that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Laziness: In the Bible, laziness is often condemned as a sin. Procrastination can be seen as a form of laziness, as it involves putting off important tasks or responsibilities. Proverbs 10:4 states, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

2. Lack of self-control: Procrastination can be a result of a lack of self-control or discipline. The Bible teaches the importance of self-control and resisting temptation. Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”

3. Wasting time: Procrastination often leads to wasting time on unimportant or trivial tasks, rather than focusing on what is truly important. The Bible warns against wasting time and encourages using time wisely. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

4. Fear and anxiety: Procrastination can be fueled by fear of failure or anxiety about the task at hand. The Bible encourages believers to trust in God and not be consumed by fear. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Overall, the concepts related to procrastination in the Bible emphasize the importance of diligence, self-control, wise use of time, and trust in God to overcome fear and anxiety. By applying these principles, individuals can work towards overcoming procrastination and fulfilling their responsibilities in a timely manner.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.