Idle hands may just be the devil’s workshop. They say idle hands are the devil’s workshop, but what does that even mean? This is a phrase meaning if you are not busy and have time to do nothing, you are likely wasting that time and will be doing unproductive things like engaging in bad habits..
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. You may not agree with that sentiment, but it comes from a Bible verse that I learned as a child. It’s a good one to remember, especially if you have children. And it can be beneficial for adults, too. Here are some Bible verses about idle hands so you can learn more about them and perhaps recite them to someone who could benefit from hearing them.
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Here are few Bible verses, Proverbs that deal with the consequences of idle hands.
Bible Verses On Being Idle
Idle hands are the Devil’s playground. The Bible tells us that if we don’t work, we shouldn’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). In fact, many Bible verses about wasting time mention what happens to idle people: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing…” (Proverbs 13:4).
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.
-Proverbs 16:26
If you want to be rich, sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
-Luke 18:22
Idle hands lead to mischief.
-Proverbs 6:6
Proverbs 21:24 – The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it to his mouth again.
Proverbs 6:11-12
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.
- “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise! She has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet she stores her provisions in summer and gathers her food at harvest.” -Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV)
- “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” -Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
- “The hand of the diligent will rule” -Proverbs 12:24 (NIV)
Proverbs 6:6-11:
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without having any chief, officer or ruler, she prepares her food in summer and gathers her food in harvest. O sluggard, how long will you lie there? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come upon you like a robber and scarcity like an armed man.”
What Does God Say About Hands
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. Idleness brings mischief and trouble. Unoccupied hands always get into mischief (Proverbs 26:27). The devil finds work for idle hands to do (Matthew 12:36). In fact, he will even make them pray, when they should be at their tasks!
Proverbs 4:23 ESV / 8 helpful votes
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Psalm 28:4 ESV / 8 helpful votes
Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward.
Romans 8:31 ESV / 7 helpful votes
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
John 16:33 ESV / 7 helpful votes
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 11:28 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Proverbs 29:15 ESV / 7 helpful votes
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
Proverbs 22:6 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 21:24-26 ESV / 7 helpful votes
“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
Psalm 23:4 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Joshua 1:9 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
1 Peter 5:8 ESV / 6 helpful votes
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Hebrews 12:11 ESV / 6 helpful votes
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Ephesians 6:4 ESV / 6 helpful votes
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV / 6 helpful votes
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Proverbs 15:19 ESV / 6 helpful votes
The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.
Proverbs 13:24 ESV / 6 helpful votes
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
Proverbs 10:3 ESV / 5 helpful votes
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Hebrews 12:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. …
Philippians 4:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes
If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.
Proverbs 31:25 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Proverbs 16:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Titus 3:14 ESV / 3 helpful votes
And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
Isaiah 1:1-31 ESV / 3 helpful votes
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. …
Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left. Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he says to everyone that he is a fool. If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest. There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: …
Ecclesiastes 5:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.
Colossians 3:1-25 ESV / 2 helpful votes
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. …
John 11:25-26 ESV / 2 helpful votes
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Matthew 10:1-42 ESV / 2 helpful votes
And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, …
Ecclesiastes 10:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes
A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.
What Does The Bible Say About Idle
Idle hands have always been the devil’s playground. But in addition to that, there are many Bible verses about idle hands. These verses remind us that we should be doing something good in this world and not just sitting around doing nothing with our time. By doing good, we can help our communities and others around us by giving freely of our time, talent, and treasure.
We sometimes get overwhelmed by our responsibilities, when we need to remember that God has given us an opportunity to rest. He wants us to take the time he has given us and not use it for idleness.
Hebrews 6:11-14 ESV / 9 helpful votes
And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.”
Luke 10:2 ESV / 9 helpful votes
And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
Proverbs 31:14-22 ESV / 9 helpful votes
She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. …
Proverbs 15:21 ESV / 9 helpful votes
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
Revelation 1:1 ESV / 8 helpful votes
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
Hebrews 6:2 ESV / 8 helpful votes
And of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Colossians 2:1-23 ESV / 8 helpful votes
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. …
Philippians 4:13 ESV / 8 helpful votes
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Ephesians 4:28 ESV / 8 helpful votes
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Luke 10:1-4 ESV / 8 helpful votes
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.
Mark 16:14-15 ESV / 8 helpful votes
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Matthew 28:19-20 ESV / 8 helpful votes
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Ezekiel 33:7-9 ESV / 8 helpful votes
“So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.
Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 ESV / 8 helpful votes
He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.
Ecclesiastes 10:15-18 ESV / 8 helpful votes
The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning! Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.
Ecclesiastes 4:2-6 ESV / 8 helpful votes
And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
Proverbs 24:32-34 ESV / 8 helpful votes
Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
Proverbs 10:25-27 ESV / 8 helpful votes
When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever. Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
Proverbs 10:22 ESV / 8 helpful votes
The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 10:5 ESV / 8 helpful votes
He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
Proverbs 10:4-5 ESV / 8 helpful votes
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
Proverbs 10:2-8 ESV / 8 helpful votes
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. …
Idleness In The Bible
Time is God’s most precious gift, and it’s too valuable to waste. When you do nothing with your time, you rob yourself of valuable opportunities for growth and enrichment.
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. A Christian belief is that idle hands lead to sin. this proverb is used to encourage people to be productive, because idle time can lead down a sinful path. some bible verses about idle hands include “let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear god, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” proverbs 12:13, “he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days; but he that feareth the lord shall be prospered.” job 22:21-22
Proverbs 19:15 ESV / 72 helpful votes
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 ESV / 65 helpful votes
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. …
1 Timothy 5:13 ESV / 50 helpful votes
Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV / 42 helpful votes
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
Proverbs 31:27 ESV / 35 helpful votes
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV / 34 helpful votes
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 ESV / 22 helpful votes
Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.
Proverbs 18:9 ESV / 22 helpful votes
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
2 Thessalonians 3:11 ESV / 17 helpful votes
For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 ESV / 17 helpful votes
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV / 17 helpful votes
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Proverbs 10:4 ESV / 17 helpful votes
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverbs 6:6-11 ESV / 14 helpful votes
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, …
Ecclesiastes 4:1-16 ESV / 13 helpful votes
Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. …
Proverbs 12:24 ESV / 13 helpful votes
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV / 12 helpful votes
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
Colossians 1:1-29 ESV / 12 helpful votes
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, …
Proverbs 13:4 ESV / 12 helpful votes
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
Psalm 90:17 ESV / 12 helpful votes
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
1 Timothy 5:11-13 ESV / 11 helpful votes
But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
Philippians 4:8 ESV / 11 helpful votes
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Luke 1:37 ESV / 11 helpful votes
For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 11 helpful votes
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 31:24-30 ESV / 11 helpful votes
She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: …
1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 10 helpful votes
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 2:1-25 ESV / 10 helpful votes
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. …
1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV / 10 helpful votes
And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,
John 14:27 ESV / 10 helpful votes
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 10 helpful votes
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 ESV / 10 helpful votes
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; …
Proverbs 16:27 ESV / 10 helpful votes
A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
Proverbs 12:24-28 ESV / 10 helpful votes
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth. In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.