Jesus: The Bible has quite a bit to say about laziness, my friends, and it often contrasts the diligent with those who neglect their duties. One place where this is especially clear is in the book of Proverbs. It’s written: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” (Proverbs 6:6). The ant, though small, is diligent in its work, storing food and preparing for the future. The sluggard, however, is warned of poverty and ruin if they neglect such discipline.
Peter, what do you think this tells us about how we should live?
Peter: It’s like You’ve said to us before, Lord, that the one who puts his hand to the plow but looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. Laziness, or sloth, it keeps us from being ready and prepared for Your work. If we don’t put our hearts into what You’ve called us to, we fall behind.
Jesus: That’s right, Peter. And in Proverbs 13:4, it says, “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” This shows that laziness leads to unmet desires, while diligence brings abundance. Laziness doesn’t just lead to physical lack but also spiritual stagnation. Remember the parable of the talents? The servant who buried his talent out of fear and laziness was rebuked. He wasted what had been given.
James, you have a fiery heart for justice. How does laziness fit into that?
James (son of Zebedee): Laziness keeps us from fulfilling our duties to others, Master. If we sit idle, we neglect those who need our help, and that seems unjust. Proverbs also says, “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.” (Proverbs 18:9). It feels like being lazy is almost like robbing others of what we could do for them.
Jesus: You see it well, James. Laziness doesn’t just harm the person who indulges in it, but it affects those around them. Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” This was to show the early church that everyone has a role to play, and we must not take advantage of others’ hard work by being idle.
Andrew, what do you think is at the heart of laziness?
Andrew: Perhaps it’s a lack of purpose, Lord. When we forget why we do things or lose sight of our calling, it’s easier to fall into sloth. But if our hearts are set on You and Your kingdom, we find the strength to work with joy, like You said, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few.” (Luke 10:2). We need to be those laborers.
Jesus: Yes, Andrew. And let me remind you all of this: the work I call you to is not just physical labor but spiritual diligence as well. Be watchful in prayer, diligent in love, and faithful in the tasks set before you. Laziness in the spiritual life is just as dangerous as in any other part of life. You are called to work in the fields of my Father’s kingdom, and in doing so, you will find both joy and reward.
