Beware of Laziness!

BEWARE OF LAZINESS: A HEART CHECK ON DILIGENCE 

The Bible has a lot to say about working hard and being diligent. The other side of that coin – laziness – is also talked about.

(see Proverbs 6:6-10, 10:26, 12:15,24,27, 13:4, 18:9, 19;15)

Laziness will not always look like we think it will look like. It will not always be obvious. Laziness will rarely look like someone lying in bed all day doing nothing. More often, it will disguise itself as procrastination, distraction, avoidance, or even the “I’ll get to it tomorrow” kind of mentality. It can wear the mask of comfort or fear. But at its core, laziness is a quiet thief. It steals time, potential, purpose, and, eventually, the fruit of life God intended for us. 

The book of Proverbs speaks directly and often about laziness, not just as a habit to break, but as a heart condition to address.

“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!” (Proverbs 6:6)

The ant, though small, is a powerful example of wisdom in motion. It doesn’t wait for someone to supervise or force it into action. It prepares in advance, working diligently without needing to be told what to do. This tiny creature understands seasons and doesn’t waste time. Can we say the same about ourselves?

We all have dreams we want to see fulfilled in our lives. Laziness will lead to those dreams being unfulfilled and lost.

“The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” (Proverbs 13:4)

There’s a difference between wishing and working. God is not calling us to burnout or strive for things in our own strength. He is calling us to faithfulness. Diligence is not about perfection. It is about consistent obedience.

Sometimes, laziness is rooted in fear - fear of failing, fear of not being good enough, or fear of starting something and not finishing. Other times, it’s rooted in entitlement, thinking things will come to us without any effort on our part. The Bible warns us: 

“Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry.” (Proverbs 19:15)

There’s also a communal impact. Our lack of diligence (laziness) doesn’t just affect us. It can drag down the people around us, damage relationships, slow progress, and impact our witness.

“One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” (Proverbs 18:9)

And perhaps one of the most vivid images: 

“As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, ever had the smoke from a good old campfire just take your eyes out. Not fun! Well so are sluggards to those who send them.” (Proverbs 10:26)

Laziness causes discomfort, irritation, and frustration – not only in our own lives, but to those who depend on us. So ask God to help you do a heart check to see if this has been creeping into your own heart.

So, how do we fight laziness? We do our own heart check by asking God to help us. The Holy Spirit can ignite in us a passion to live with purpose and not complacency. 

God honors diligence. We do not have to earn our worth by our works. He honors and blesses us when we walk in the fullness of all that He has prepared for us.

“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.” (Proverbs)

BOTTOM LINE 

Diligence leads to success and preparedness, while laziness leads to struggle and regret.

REFLECTION 

Where in your life has laziness crept in?

What’s one area that you can ask God to help you become more diligent?

Are there “ant-like” habits you can adopt today that will shape your future?

Author: Priscilla Campbell

Editor: Christine Platt