“What does the Bible say about laziness?”……Newton's first law of motion states that an object in motion tends to remain in motion, and an object at rest tends to remain at rest. This law applies to people. While some are naturally driven to complete projects, others are apathetic, requiring motivation to overcome inertia. Laziness, a lifestyle for some, is a temptation for all. But the Bible is clear that, because the Lord ordained work for man, laziness is sin. …Proverbs 6:6…6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!…The Bible has a great deal to say about laziness. Proverbs is especially filled with wisdom concerning laziness and warnings to the lazy person. Proverbs tells us that a lazy person hates work: …Proverbs 21:25…25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.…He loves sleep:…Proverbs 26:14…14 As a door swings back and forth on its hinges,… so the lazy person turns over in bed.…Proverbs 26:13…He gives excuses:…13 The lazy person claims, "There's a lion on the road!… Yes, I'm sure there's a lion out there!"…He wastes time and energy: …Proverbs 18:9 …9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. ("He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great waster" KJV)…He believes he is wise, but is a fool:…Proverbs 26:16…16 Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counsellors.……Proverbs also tells us what's in store for the lazy person in the end:…A lazy person becomes a servant (or debtor):…Proverbs 12:24…24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.…His future is bleak:…Proverbs 20:4…4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.…He may come to poverty: …Proverbs 13:4…4 Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

There is no room for laziness in the life of a Christian.……A new believer is truthfully taught that:…Ephesians 2:8-9… "├ö├ç┬¬it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast". …But a believer can become idle if he erroneously believes God expects no fruit from a transformed life.…Ephesians 2:10…10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.…Christians are not saved by works, but they do show their faith by their works…James 2:18, 26…18 Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds."…………26 Just as the body is dead without breath,(Or without spirit) so also faith is dead without good works.

Slothfulness violates God's purpose-good works. The Lord, however, empowers Christians to overcome the flesh's propensity to laziness by giving us a new nature…2 Corinthians 5:17…17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!…In our new nature, we are motivated to diligence and productiveness out of a love for our Savior who redeemed us. Our old propensity toward laziness-and all other sin-has been replaced by a desire to live godly lives:…Ephesians 4:28…28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.…We are convicted of our need to provide for our families through our labors:…1 Timothy 5:8…8 But those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. and for others in the family of God:…Acts 20:34-35…34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me.35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

As Christians, we know that our labours will be rewarded by our Lord if we persevere in diligence:…Galatians 6:9-10…9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith. …Colossians 3:23-24…23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.(Or and serve Christ as your Master.)…Hebrews 6:10…10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers,[a] as you still do.……Christians should labour in God's strength to evangelize and disciple.…The apostle Paul is our example:…Colossians 1:28-29…28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect[a] in their relationship to Christ.29 That's why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ's mighty power that works within me.…Even in heaven, Christians' service to God will continue, although no longer encumbered by the curse…Revelation 22:3…3 No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.…Free from sickness, sorrow, and sin-even laziness-the saints will glorify the Lord forever.…1 Corinthians 15:58…58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.