What Does the Bible Say About Procrastination?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

Hey there! If you’re short on time, here’s the quick scoop: the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention procrastination, but it does offer valuable wisdom on how to manage our time and make the most of it. So, stick around if you want to dive into what the Good Book has to say about this common struggle.

Procrastination – we’ve all been there. That moment when you should be doing something important, but Netflix, social media, or just plain old laziness gets in the way. Ever wondered what the Bible has to say about this? Well, let’s open its pages and find out!

What Does the Bible Say About Procrastination?

So, here’s the deal – the Bible might not use the word “procrastination,” but it’s not silent on the matter. In fact, it’s brimming with wisdom that can help us kick that habit to the curb.

First off, in the Old Testament, we learn from Proverbs 6:6-11 that even ants are hard workers, not procrastinators. They don’t wait around for someone to tell them what to do; they just get to it. God’s view here? Laziness is a no-go.

In the New Testament, we’re reminded in Ephesians 5:15-16 to make the most of our time, as the days are evil. Translation: Don’t put off what you can do today. Jesus himself encouraged us to be faithful with what we’ve been given (Matthew 25:14-30). That means taking action, not sitting on our talents.

Bible Verses About Procrastination

  1. Proverbs 13:4 – “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” In other words, procrastination leads to empty results, but diligence brings abundance.
  1. Proverbs 24:30-34 – This passage talks about a field overgrown with thorns because of the owner’s laziness. It’s a vivid picture of what happens when we procrastinate – things get messy!
  1. Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” When we procrastinate, we’re not putting our best effort into what we do, and that’s not what God wants.
  1. James 4:17 – “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him, it is sin.” Yep, you read that right – procrastination can be a sin when we know we should act but choose not to.
  1. Ecclesiastes 11:4 – “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Translation: If we keep waiting for perfect conditions, we’ll never get anything done.
  1. Luke 9:62 – “Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'” Jesus calls us to be focused and committed, not hesitant and procrastinating.
  1. Romans 12:11 – “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” Slothfulness, aka procrastination, doesn’t align with serving the Lord wholeheartedly.
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So, there you have it – the Bible might not call out procrastination by name, but it’s clear that God encourages us to be diligent, make the most of our time, and avoid laziness. It’s about taking action, being faithful, and serving the Lord with zeal.