What Does the Bible Say About Wasting Resources?

Proverbs 12:27 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

Proverbs 19:15 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 6 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,

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 5 helpful votes

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Proverbs 21:20 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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

Ephesians 5:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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

1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

Matthew 25:14-30 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. ...

Jeremiah 10:1-25 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” ...

Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

Proverbs 14:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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

Leviticus 23:22 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV / 3 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.

Romans 12:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

John 6:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.”

Matthew 6:25 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Proverbs 13:23 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice.

Proverbs 6:9-11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

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, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Genesis 2:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes

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

Genesis 1:1-31 ESV / 3 helpful votes

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ...

1 Peter 4:3-5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

James 4:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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.

Colossians 4:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV / 2 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. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

1 Corinthians 8:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.

Acts 20:35 ESV / 2 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.’”

John 9:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.

John 6:12-13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 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.

John 3:16 ESV / 2 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.

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Ezekiel 16:49 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.

Isaiah 54:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy;

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 2 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 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 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 22:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”

Proverbs 21:25 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 20:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 18:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 13:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 12:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 12:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

Proverbs 10:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 136:25 ESV / 2 helpful votes

He who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 90:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

Joshua 1:9 ESV / 2 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.”

Genesis 1:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

54 Bible Verses about Wasting Resources

Proverbs 12:27 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 19:15 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:20 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 25:14-30 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jeremiah 10:1-25 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Leviticus 23:22 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 6:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:25 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:23 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 6:9-11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 2:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 1:1-31 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 4:3-5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 4:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 4:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 6:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 8:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 20:35 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 9:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 6:12-13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ezekiel 16:49 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 54:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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

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

Proverbs 22:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:25 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 20:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 136:25 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 90:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Joshua 1:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 1:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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