25 Bible Verses About Wasting Time (With Commentary)

Time is a precious resource given to us by God, and how we use it matters. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in distractions and activities that don’t align with our purpose.

Join me as we explore Bible verses that shed light on the concept of wasting time. Through these scriptures, we will gain wisdom and guidance on how to make the most of the time we have been given and live purposefully for God’s glory.

Get ready to rethink your priorities and embrace a more intentional approach to time management.

Bible Verses About Wasting Time

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”

In this verse, we are reminded that time is a precious gift from God, and each moment has a purpose. Wasting time goes against the idea of using our time wisely and aligning ourselves with God’s plans.

Ephesians 5:16

“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”

This verse encourages us to make the most of our time by using it wisely and intentionally. We are urged to be aware of the evil around us and to use our time to make a positive impact in the world.

Colossians 4:5

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

Here, we are called to walk in wisdom and make the most of our interactions with non-believers. It reminds us to use our time effectively to share the love and message of Christ.

Proverbs 6:9-11

“How long will you slumber, O lazy one? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler.”

This verse serves as a warning against laziness and procrastination, which can lead to wasted time and negative consequences. It encourages us to be diligent and responsible in how we use our time.

Psalm 90:12

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing the brevity of life and using our time wisely. By understanding the limited nature of our days, we can develop a heart of wisdom and make intentional choices.

Romans 13:11

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”

Here, we are reminded that our salvation draws closer with each passing moment. It encourages us to be alert and not waste our time being spiritually complacent.

Proverbs 12:11

“He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.”

This verse highlights the importance of hard work and productivity. It warns against engaging in frivolous pursuits that lead to wasted time and a lack of understanding.

James 4:14

“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of life. It encourages us to make the most of the time we have and avoid wasting it on pursuits that hold no eternal value.

Psalm 39:4-5

“Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You.”

In this verse, the psalmist reflects on the brevity of life and the need to recognize our own mortality. It prompts us to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in order to make the most of our limited time.

Proverbs 10:4

“He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

This verse highlights the correlation between laziness and poverty. It encourages us to be diligent and proactive in utilizing our time and talents to achieve success and abundance.

Psalm 39:6

“Surely every man walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them.”

This verse emphasizes the futility of pursuing worldly wealth without considering its ultimate purpose. It encourages us to focus on meaningful endeavors and to avoid wasting time on pursuits that hold no eternal significance.

Colossians 3:23

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

This verse reminds us to approach our tasks and responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication. By doing so, we can honor God in all that we do and avoid wasting time through half-hearted efforts.

Proverbs 21:25

“The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.”

This verse portrays the consequences of laziness and the desire for instant gratification. It serves as a reminder that wasting time and avoiding hard work can lead to unfulfilled desires and a lack of progress.

Psalm 31:15

“My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.”

This verse acknowledges God’s sovereignty over our lives and the times and seasons we go through. It prompts us to trust in Him, seek His guidance, and avoid wasting time on worry or fear.

Matthew 6:33

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

This verse reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His kingdom above all else. By doing so, we can avoid wasting time on pursuits that distract us from our true purpose.

Proverbs 20:4

“The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing.”

This verse illustrates the consequences of laziness and procrastination. It emphasizes the importance of being diligent and proactive in utilizing our time, regardless of the season or circumstances.

Psalm 37:7

“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”

This verse encourages us to find rest and peace in God’s presence. It reminds us to trust in His perfect timing and avoid wasting time by becoming anxious or impatient.

Ephesians 5:17

“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

This verse urges us to be wise and discerning, seeking to understand and align ourselves with God’s will. By doing so, we can avoid wasting time on pursuits that are contrary to His purpose for our lives.

Proverbs 14:23

“In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.”

This verse emphasizes the value of hard work and the detrimental effects of engaging in idle and unproductive conversations. It encourages us to utilize our time wisely and avoid wasting it on trivial matters.

Psalm 90:17

“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us.”

This verse serves as a prayer, seeking God’s guidance and blessing over the work of our hands. It prompts us to use our time purposefully, asking for His divine intervention and direction in all that we do.

Proverbs 6:6-8

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer, or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”

This verse highlights the wisdom we can glean from observing the industriousness of ants. It encourages us to learn from their example and avoid wasting time by procrastinating or being lazy.

Psalm 90:14

“Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!”

This verse is a prayer for God’s mercy and favor, asking Him to fill our days with purpose and joy. It prompts us to seek His presence and guidance, so that our time is spent in a way that brings satisfaction and gladness.

Proverbs 19:15

“Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry.”

This verse highlights the consequences of laziness and the emptiness that comes from idle pursuits. It serves as a reminder to be diligent and productive with our time, avoiding wasteful habits that can lead to dissatisfaction.

Colossians 4:6

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

This verse encourages us to be intentional with our words and conversations. By speaking with grace and wisdom, we can avoid wasting time on idle or harmful speech and instead edify and encourage others.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.”

This verse reminds us to approach our tasks and responsibilities with diligence and wholeheartedness. It encourages us to make the most of our time and talents, avoiding wastefulness and maximizing our potential.

Psalm 127:2

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.”

This verse speaks against excessive striving and anxiety, reminding us that true rest and peace come from God. It encourages us to trust in His provision and avoid wasting time and energy on worry or unnecessary toil.

Matthew 25:13

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

This verse reminds us of the uncertainty of life and the importance of being prepared. It urges us to be watchful and use our time wisely, living with an eternal perspective and avoiding wasteful distractions.

James 1:22

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

This verse challenges us to put our faith into action, avoiding the trap of mere intellectual understanding without corresponding obedience. It prompts us to use our time productively, actively living out the teachings of Scripture.