1. Proverbs 6:9-11
“How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 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.”
This proverb warns against laziness. It teaches that excessive sleep can lead to poverty and lack, urging us to be diligent and proactive rather than idle and sluggish.
2. Proverbs 20:13
“Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.”
This verse emphasizes the dangers of loving sleep too much. It teaches that an excessive desire for sleep can result in poverty, while alertness and diligence lead to provision and abundance.
3. 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.”
This proverb echoes the earlier warning against excessive rest. It teaches that small increments of unnecessary sleep can accumulate, leading to unexpected poverty and scarcity.
4. Proverbs 19:15
“Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.”
This verse connects laziness with excessive sleep and hunger. It teaches that a lazy lifestyle fosters excessive sleep, which in turn leads to unmet needs and hunger due to a lack of productivity.
5. Proverbs 26:14
“As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.”
This proverb paints a vivid picture of laziness. It teaches that just as a door swings back and forth without going anywhere, a lazy person who sleeps excessively remains unproductive and stagnant.
6. Ephesians 5:14
“This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'”
Paul encourages spiritual wakefulness. It teaches that both physically and spiritually, we should awaken from slumber and engage in the light of Christ, being active in our faith and responsibilities.
7. Romans 13:11
“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”
Paul calls for spiritual alertness. It teaches that we must wake up from complacency and spiritual slumber, recognizing the urgency of the times and living with purpose and readiness for Christ’s return.
8. Proverbs 10:5
“He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”
This proverb contrasts diligence with laziness. It teaches that sleeping excessively during crucial times, such as the harvest, leads to missed opportunities and is a sign of irresponsibility and shame.
9. Proverbs 13:4
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
This verse highlights the consequences of laziness. It teaches that those who sleep excessively out of laziness will never be satisfied, while the diligent, who manage their time wisely, will see their desires fulfilled.
10. Matthew 26:40-41
“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'”
Jesus admonishes His disciples for sleeping instead of praying. It teaches that excessive sleep can lead to missed spiritual opportunities and increased vulnerability to temptation, highlighting the importance of vigilance.
11. Proverbs 12:24
“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”
This proverb contrasts diligence with laziness. It teaches that excessive sleep, as a result of laziness, leads to a loss of freedom and control, while those who are diligent rise to positions of leadership and influence.
12. 1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
Paul urges believers to be alert and self-controlled. It teaches that spiritually, we must avoid the lethargy of excessive sleep, staying awake and sober-minded in our faith and conduct.
13. Ecclesiastes 10:18
“Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.”
This verse uses a metaphor to describe the effects of laziness. It teaches that neglecting responsibilities due to excessive sleep can lead to deterioration and decay, emphasizing the need for active maintenance and care.
14. Proverbs 21:25
“The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.”
This proverb speaks to the dangers of laziness. It teaches that excessive sleep, driven by laziness, can lead to unmet needs and even death, as the lazy person refuses to engage in productive work.
15. Mark 13:35-37
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Jesus warns of the need for constant vigilance. It teaches that excessive sleep, especially in a spiritual sense, can cause us to miss critical moments of opportunity or accountability, urging us to remain watchful.
16. Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work. It teaches that excessive sleep, which often results from laziness, leads to unproductive talk and ultimately poverty, while diligent work brings tangible rewards.
17. Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Paul encourages wholehearted work. It teaches that instead of sleeping excessively, we should approach our work with dedication and passion, knowing that we are ultimately serving God in everything we do.
18. Proverbs 15:19
“The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.”
This proverb contrasts the paths of the lazy and the diligent. It teaches that excessive sleep, associated with laziness, creates obstacles and difficulties, while diligence leads to a clear and straightforward path.
19. Proverbs 22:13
“The sluggard says, ‘There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!'”
This proverb illustrates the excuses of the lazy. It teaches that those who sleep excessively often make irrational excuses to avoid work and responsibilities, leading to further idleness and inaction.
20. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'”
Paul sets a standard for work and responsibility. It teaches that excessive sleep, which often leads to unwillingness to work, is not acceptable; everyone is expected to contribute through diligent effort.
21. Proverbs 19:24
“A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!”
This proverb humorously portrays extreme laziness. It teaches that excessive sleep and laziness can render a person so inactive that they are unwilling to complete even the simplest tasks necessary for their well-being.
22. 1 Corinthians 15:34
“Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.”
Paul calls for a return to spiritual awareness. It teaches that excessive sleep can be a metaphor for spiritual laziness or neglect, urging believers to wake up and live righteously with an awareness of God’s will.
23. Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
This proverb praises skillful work. It teaches that instead of indulging in excessive sleep, developing skills and working diligently can lead to recognition and opportunities to serve in significant and influential positions.
24. Revelation 3:2
“Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.”
Jesus calls the church in Sardis to awaken. It teaches that excessive sleep, both physically and spiritually, can lead to unfinished tasks and missed opportunities to fulfill God’s purpose, urging believers to wake up and complete their work.
25. Proverbs 12:27
“The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”
This proverb contrasts the outcomes of laziness and diligence. It teaches that those who sleep excessively, representing laziness, miss out on the rewards of their labor, while the diligent enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
26. Proverbs 26:15
“A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.”
This proverb repeats the theme of extreme laziness. It teaches that excessive sleep, symbolizing laziness, can make a person so unproductive that they fail to take care of their most basic needs.
27. 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 advises believers to live wisely. It teaches that excessive sleep can cause us to miss valuable opportunities, urging us to live wisely and make the most of the time we have, especially in challenging times.
28. Proverbs 28:19
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.”
This proverb contrasts productive work with laziness. It teaches that excessive sleep, associated with chasing fantasies or avoiding work, leads to poverty, while diligent work results in abundance and provision.
29. Matthew 25:5-6
“The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’”
Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins. It teaches that excessive sleep can lead to unpreparedness, emphasizing the need for vigilance and readiness, especially in spiritual matters and the return of Christ.
30. Proverbs 27:23-24
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”
This proverb advises careful stewardship. It teaches that instead of sleeping excessively, we should diligently manage our responsibilities, understanding that neglect can lead to loss and insecurity, while careful attention ensures sustainability.