What Does the Bible Say About He Who Will Not Work Shall Not Eat?

2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV / 88 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.

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV / 40 helpful votes

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-15 ESV / 38 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. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. ...

1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV / 29 helpful votes

And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

Ephesians 4:28 ESV / 24 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.

Genesis 2:15 ESV / 24 helpful votes

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Proverbs 10:4 ESV / 23 helpful votes

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Proverbs 13:4 ESV / 21 helpful votes

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 18:9 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

Genesis 3:19 ESV / 17 helpful votes

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

1 Thessalonians 4:12 ESV / 16 helpful votes

So that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Ecclesiastes 2:24 ESV / 15 helpful votes

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God,

Proverbs 21:25 ESV / 15 helpful votes

The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

2 Thessalonians 3:12 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV / 14 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 20:4 ESV / 14 helpful votes

The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

Proverbs 14:23 ESV / 14 helpful votes

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

Proverbs 26:14 ESV / 13 helpful votes

As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.

Hebrews 6:10 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

Colossians 3:22-24 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Proverbs 12:24 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Psalm 128:2 ESV / 12 helpful votes

You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Luke 10:7 ESV / 10 helpful votes

And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.

Proverbs 6:6 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? ...

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Galatians 6:9-10 ESV / 9 helpful votes

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Proverbs 26:16 ESV / 9 helpful votes

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Genesis 3:17-19 ESV / 9 helpful votes

And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

James 2:26 ESV / 7 helpful votes

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

1 Timothy 1:1-20 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ...

2 Thessalonians 3:11 ESV / 7 helpful votes

For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.

Romans 14:1-23 ESV / 7 helpful votes

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. ...

Ecclesiastes 5:18 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot.

Proverbs 10:26 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes

It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.

2 Thessalonians 3:7 ESV / 6 helpful votes

For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,

1 Thessalonians 2:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes

For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Acts 20:34-35 ESV / 6 helpful votes

You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Revelation 22:3 ESV / 5 helpful votes

No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.

James 2:18 ESV / 5 helpful votes

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

1 Thessalonians 3:4 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.

1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. ...

John 3:16-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

2 Thessalonians 3:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes

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.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV / 3 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.

2 Thessalonians 3:4 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Acts 20:35 ESV / 3 helpful votes

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Proverbs 12:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.

Deuteronomy 24:14 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns.

Genesis 3:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

James 2:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,”

2 Thessalonians 3:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.

2 Thessalonians 2:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?

Colossians 3:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

1 Corinthians 15:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / 2 helpful votes

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

John 6:27 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Proverbs 28:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV / 2 helpful votes

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. 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 16:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 12:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

68 Bible Verses about He Who Will Not Work Shall Not Eat

2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV / 88 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV / 40 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:10-15 ESV / 38 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV / 29 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:28 ESV / 24 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 2:15 ESV / 24 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:4 ESV / 23 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:4 ESV / 21 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:9 ESV / 20 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 3:19 ESV / 17 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 4:12 ESV / 16 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 2:24 ESV / 15 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:25 ESV / 15 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:12 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 20:4 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:23 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 26:14 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 6:10 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:22-24 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:24 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 128:2 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 10:7 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 6:6 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 6:9-10 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 26:16 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 3:17-19 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 2:26 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 1:1-20 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:11 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 14:1-23 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 5:18 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:26 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:7 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 2:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 20:34-35 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 22:3 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 2:18 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 3:4 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:4 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 2:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 20:35 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 24:14 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 3:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 2:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 3:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Thessalonians 2:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 15:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 6:27 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 28:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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