Indolence and lack of diligence are warned against in Scripture, as they can hinder one's spiritual and physical well-being. In Proverbs, the lazy are contrasted with the diligent, who will reap the rewards of their labor, as seen in Proverbs 13:4 and Proverbs 12:24. The apostle Paul also addresses this issue in 2 Thessalonians, emphasizing the importance of working hard to support oneself. Furthermore, Colossians 3:23 encourages believers to work heartily, as if for the Lord, and Proverbs 15:19 notes that the way of the sluggard is filled with obstacles.
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The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,
The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.
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 craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.
‘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.
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.