The Consequences and Characteristics of Laziness

Earlier this week at the Asian Pacific Economic Conference in Hawaii, President Obama said that the United States has become a “little bit lazy” when it comes to bringing new businesses into our country. He went on to say that in the business world we have “lost our ambition” and “our imagination.”

Whatever the merits or non merits of the President’s position about corporate America the Bible has a lot to say about laziness. Here are some pertinent points on laziness from a more personal perspective.

Consequences of laziness:

1. You will bring harm to yourself

Proverbs 10: 4, 5 - He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

Proverbs 19:15 - Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger.

2. You will cause harm to others

Best case scenario – Proverbs 10:26 - As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him.

Worst case scenario – Proverbs 18:19 - He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

Characteristics of laziness:

1. You're slow to start working

Proverbs 24: 30-34 - I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; And there it was, all overgrown with thorns;  Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

2. You put off completing your work

Proverbs 19:24 - A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

3. You enjoy too much sleep

Proverbs 6: 9-11 - How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

4. You make excuses for not working

Proverbs 22:13 - The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside!  I shall be slain in the streets!

5. The lazy have unsatisfied desires

Proverbs 13: 4 - The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;  But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

6. You are wise in your own eyes

Proverbs 26:13 - The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Laziness doesn’t come at us all at once in a loud abrasive manner. It creeps up on us and lulls us to sleep. But there is a cure. The Bible says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).” When you wake up in the morning dedicate all that you will do to the glory of God. It doesn’t matter if you are going to school, flipping burgers, managing a business, doing research or raising children. Dedicate your work to the glory of God and both you and the work will prosper.