12 Bible Verses About Sloth

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about sloth

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about sloth:

1. 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.”
2. Proverbs 10:4 – “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
3. Proverbs 12:24 – “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”
4. Proverbs 15:19 – “The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.”
5. Proverbs 19:15 – “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.”
6. Proverbs 20:4 – “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.”

7. Proverbs 21:25 – “The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.”
8. 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.”
9. Ecclesiastes 10:18 – “By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.”
10. Romans 12:11 – “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
11. Colossians 3:23 – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
12. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

What does the bible say about sloth?

The Bible speaks against slothfulness, emphasizing the importance of hard work, diligence, and productivity.

It warns against laziness and idleness, highlighting the negative consequences of being slothful such as poverty, missed opportunities, and lack of success.

The Bible encourages believers to be proactive, responsible, and to use their time and talents wisely for the glory of God.

It promotes the value of being diligent and industrious in all aspects of life, whether it be in work, relationships, or spiritual growth.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that laziness is a hindrance to achieving one’s full potential and fulfilling God’s purposes.

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

1. Proverbs 6 – This chapter discusses the consequences of laziness and the importance of being diligent and hardworking. It emphasizes the negative impact of sloth on one’s life and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.

2. Ecclesiastes 10 – This chapter contrasts the wise and the foolish, highlighting the dangers of laziness and the benefits of hard work. It emphasizes the importance of being proactive and diligent in all aspects of life.

3. 2 Thessalonians 3 – This chapter addresses the issue of idleness within the Christian community and emphasizes the importance of working hard and not being a burden to others. It encourages believers to be productive and responsible in their work.

Reading these chapters can provide insight into the biblical perspective on sloth and the importance of being diligent and hardworking in all aspects of life. It serves as a reminder of the negative consequences of laziness and the benefits of being proactive and responsible.

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

1. Laziness: The Bible frequently warns against laziness and idleness, emphasizing the importance of hard work and diligence. Sloth is often seen as a manifestation of laziness, where individuals neglect their responsibilities and fail to make productive use of their time.

2. Procrastination: Procrastination is another concept related to sloth that is addressed in the Bible. Delaying or avoiding necessary tasks can lead to negative consequences and hinder personal growth and development. The Bible encourages individuals to be proactive and take action promptly.

3. Apathy: Apathy refers to a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for important matters. Sloth can be characterized by a sense of indifference or apathy towards one’s duties and obligations. The Bible teaches the importance of being passionate and dedicated in all aspects of life, rather than being apathetic or indifferent.

4. Wasting time: The Bible warns against wasting time on frivolous or unproductive activities. Slothful individuals may spend their time on meaningless pursuits, neglecting more important tasks and responsibilities. The Bible encourages individuals to use their time wisely and prioritize activities that align with their values and goals.

Overall, the concepts related to sloth in the Bible emphasize the importance of diligence, responsibility, and purposeful living. Sloth is seen as a hindrance to personal growth and spiritual development, and individuals are encouraged to overcome slothful tendencies through hard work, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose.

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.