Scripture warns against the dangers of idleness and lack of diligence, emphasizing the importance of responsible stewardship and hard work. In Proverbs, the wise are cautioned against sloth, with warnings that it can lead to poverty and ruin, as seen in the example of the sluggard in Proverbs 6:9. The New Testament also addresses this issue, with 1 Timothy 5:8 emphasizing the need for believers to provide for their families, and James 1:22 encouraging them to be doers of the word, not just hearers. Additionally, Colossians 3:23 teaches that whatever work is done, it should be done with diligence and sincerity, as unto the Lord.
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If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,
Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: 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.
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed. The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.