Proverbs 12:24 KJV
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Laziness is the unwillingness to work. A lazy person finds delight in being idle, not having anything doing and the Bible is against it.
When God created man, he gave him work to do in the garden of Eden, God doesn’t expect anyone to be idle.
Genesis 2:15 KJV
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Immediately after creating man, this was his first assignment, so it is expected of everyone to work.
Even apostle Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 KJV
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
So, laziness is something everyone frowns at.
Lets consider a parable from the Bible in Matthew 25:14-28, the man gave talents to his servants and watched what each of them will do with it, while the first two traded with their talents to multiply them, the lazy person in this context is the one who was given one talent, we might say out of jealousy he felt he was given something worthwhile and decided to keep it. But a hardworking person would still trade with the talents given to him to multiply it.
Characteristics of a lazy person
1. Procrastination
A lazy person would always leave what should be done now till later, he or she gives excuse to avoid work. Such a person has many activities yet undone and still won’t be willing to do them.
2. Covetousness
As a result of not having anything of his or her own to point to, a lazy person will develop covetousness towards other people’s achievement.
3. Depend on others
Since a lazy person has nothing of his or her own, such person has no choice than to depend on others, he or she would beg to get things, a lazy person cannot achieve things without support of others because of slothfulness
4. Blame others for their undoing
As a way to excuse him or herself from the accusations, a lazy person blames others for their undoing. They give excuses to back up their actions.
But a diligent and hardworking person is a friend to all, because such person has results to show, doesn’t depend on others and is productive. You have to consciously avoid being lazy because everyone has the tendency to be lazy, and an action doesn’t become a habit in one day. If you are diligent to work you will be a friend to many and will be sought for in high places.
Proverbs 22:29 KJV
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Diligence is not cultivated overnight, it is a deliberate action. A diligent person doesn’t depend on motivations to work unlike a slothful man who even despite the encouragements will still be sluggish to work. A diligent person is like the ants who work despite all obstacles, they work as at when due and don’t depend on others for their survival, no wonder Solomon wrote in Proverbs 6:6 KJV
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: