Topical Bible

What Does the Bible Say About Not Working?

Here are 16 Bible verses about not working, ordered by how relevant readers found them, with the King James Version and the modern Berean Standard Bible side by side.

  1. #12 Thessalonians 3:10

    For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

    BSBFor even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”

  2. #21 Timothy 5:8

    But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

    BSBIf anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

  3. #3Ephesians 4:28

    Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

    BSBHe who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

  4. #42 Thessalonians 3:12-16

    Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

    BSBWe command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing. Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

  5. #52 Thessalonians 3:11

    For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

    BSBYet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies.

  6. #6Luke 1:37

    For with God nothing shall be impossible.

    BSBFor no word from God will ever fail.”

  7. #7Proverbs 14:23

    In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

    BSBThere is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

  8. #8Colossians 3:23-24

    And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

    BSBWhatever 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.

  9. #9Proverbs 13:4

    The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

    BSBThe slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

  10. #102 Thessalonians 3:10-12

    For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

    BSBFor even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” 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.

  11. #11Proverbs 24:33-34

    Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

    BSBA 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.

  12. #12Hebrews 12:14

    Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

    BSBPursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

  13. #13Colossians 3:23

    And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

    BSBWhatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,

  14. #14Proverbs 12:11

    He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

    BSBThe one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.

  15. #151 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

    BSBSo whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

  16. #16Proverbs 12:24

    The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

    BSBThe hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

Verse rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY). Scripture: KJV & BSB (public domain).

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