What should you do if you know you’re lazy?

There is something about a lazy person that frustrates even the most patient observer. It isn’t just that they don’t contribute, it’s that they seem strangely at peace with their negligence, as if inaction were a virtue. Proverbs doesn’t handle the subject gently. The lazy person isn’t painted as quirky, misunderstood, or mellow. They’re described as wasteful, destructive, arrogant, and headed for ruin.

Laziness is not a personality trait. It is a sin.

What laziness actually is
The Bible consistently uses the word “lazy” to describe a person who will not do what ought to be done. It is not just about slowness or needing rest. Laziness is a willful avoidance of responsibility, work, or diligence. Proverbs 26:13–16 gives a disturbingly vivid sketch:

“The lazy person claims, ‘There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!’ As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed. Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth. Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.”

Laziness distorts reality, imagining dangers that aren’t there to justify doing nothing. It indulges in comfort to the point of absurdity, loses all motivation for basic effort, and becomes self-deceived, thinking it knows better than those who actually live wisely.

Romans 12:11 gives a pointed exhortation: “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

The believer is to live with holy effort and eagerness, applying diligence to their daily responsibilities and in how they serve the Lord.

Scripture does not limit laziness to career or chores. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the three servants. The one who buried his master’s money wasn’t immoral in the conventional sense. He didn’t gamble it or steal it. He just didn’t use it. The master’s judgment is fierce: “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant!’ …” Matthew 25:26a.

The servant was judged not for wrongdoing, but for doing nothing. He was called lazy because he was afraid to act, unwilling to take responsibility, and chose comfort over obedience.

Laziness can show up in procrastination, selfishness, spiritual dullness, or an unwillingness to take initiative in the home, in relationships, in service, or in worship.

What to do if you know you are lazy
First, stop redefining laziness as a quirk, a flaw, or as unimportant. Scripture treats it as sin because it is a rebellion against God’s purpose for your life. Laziness dishonors God by rejecting stewardship. You are not your own; you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). You have no right to waste what God entrusted to you — your time, your body, your skills, your relationships, or your calling.

Second, repent. Scripture commands us to change our thinking about sin and obey. Take ownership of your laziness before the Lord, confess it honestly, and ask Him for strength to walk in obedience. Pray like the psalmist “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you,” Psalm 51:12.

Third, train yourself in diligence. Proverbs 13:4 says, “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.”

Desire is not enough, discipline is required. Begin with small, repeated obedience. Build habits that reflect wise and faithful living such as communing with God through consistent prayer and regular time in God’s Word, faithful service, hard work, and responsible choices. Don’t wait for motivation, obey anyway.

Fourth, consider this sober warning from Proverbs 10:26: “Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.” Laziness doesn’t just harm you. It burdens others, dishonors God, and weakens the body of Christ. Choose to be a joy and not a drain. Let your life be a source of strength, not frustration.

You were not made for the couch. You were made for the King and His kingdom.

Scotty