Slothfulness: General Scriptures Concerning

Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. …

Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him.

The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.

The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.

Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.

The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.

The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”

For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.

I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. …

The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” …

Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.

Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.

‘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.

Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest.

Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” …

Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.