If you’re wondering what the Bible says about putting things off, here’s the short of it: The Bible encourages us to be diligent and proactive, warning against the pitfalls of procrastination and laziness. Scriptures teach the value of making the most of our time, emphasizing that our days are limited and we are stewards of the life God has given us. Through parables and teachings, the Bible makes it clear that delay can lead to missed opportunities, unfulfilled potential, and even spiritual peril. Acting with urgency and faithfulness in our responsibilities, relationships, and spiritual life is highlighted as a way to honor God and live out His purpose for our lives.
Got a moment? Let’s dig deeper into why the Bible advises us to seize the day and what it means for living a life of purpose and intentionality.
What Does the Bible Say About Putting Things Off?
The Bible’s stance on procrastination is woven throughout its narrative, offering wisdom on the importance of diligence, readiness, and wise stewardship of our time. From the wisdom literature of the Old Testament to Jesus’s parables in the New Testament, the message is consistent: Time is a precious gift from God, and how we choose to use it reflects our priorities and our faith.
One of the central themes related to putting things off in the Bible is the concept of stewardship. We are called to be stewards not only of our resources but of our time as well. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) serves as a powerful illustration of this principle, where the servants are entrusted with their master’s wealth and expected to use it wisely. The servant who does nothing with his talent is rebuked for his laziness and fear, suggesting that inactivity and delay can be forms of disobedience.
Procrastination is often linked with laziness in the Bible, with numerous proverbs warning against the folly and consequences of sloth. The book of Proverbs contrasts the outcomes of diligence versus laziness, showing that procrastination can lead to poverty, unfulfilled potential, and lack of preparedness for the future.
The New Testament teachings of Paul emphasize living wisely and making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). This urgency is rooted in the understanding that our time on earth is limited and we are accountable to God for how we use the life He has given us. Paul’s letters encourage believers to be active in doing good, persisting in prayer, and being ready for the return of Christ, suggesting that putting off spiritual disciplines and readiness can have eternal consequences.
Moreover, the Bible teaches that putting things off can hinder our spiritual growth and the work of God’s kingdom. James 4:17, for example, reminds us that knowing the good we ought to do and not doing it is sin. This challenges us to act on our convictions and the guidance of the Holy Spirit without delay.
In essence, the biblical view of putting things off is not just about avoiding laziness or being more productive; it’s about faithfulness, obedience, and living with an eternal perspective. It calls us to prioritize our relationship with God, our service to others, and our stewardship of the time and talents we’ve been given.
Bible Verses About Putting Things Off
- Proverbs 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” This proverb uses the ant as an example of diligence and foresight, encouraging us to be proactive and prepared.
- Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Paul warns against carelessness and urges believers to use their time wisely and purposefully.
- Matthew 25:26-27 – “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.'” The Parable of the Talents illustrates the consequences of inaction and the expectation of faithful stewardship.
- James 4:17 – “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” James highlights the sinfulness of omission and the importance of acting on our knowledge of what is right.
- Proverbs 13:4 – “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” This proverb contrasts the unfulfilled potential of laziness with the satisfaction that comes from diligence.
- Luke 12:35-40 – “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.” Jesus teaches the importance of readiness and the danger of being unprepared for His return.
- Proverbs 20:4 – “Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.” This proverb warns against the folly of putting off necessary work, resulting in lack of provision.
- Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Paul encourages believers to work diligently, as if serving Christ Himself, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of our earthly tasks.
- 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Paul’s instruction to Timothy about being prepared and active in ministry underscores the importance of not putting off our spiritual responsibilities.
- Proverbs 24:33-34 – “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” Another warning from Proverbs about the consequences of procrastination and laziness.
In essence, the Bible’s message on putting things off challenges us to live intentionally, with diligence and a sense of urgency. It calls us to balance our daily responsibilities with the eternal perspective of God’s kingdom, urging us not to waste the precious time we’ve been given. By embracing this wisdom, we can avoid the pitfalls of procrastination and live lives that are fruitful, fulfilling, and aligned with God’s purpose for us. Let’s strive to be stewards of our time, talents, and opportunities, making the most of each moment for the glory of God.