The Bible offers wisdom on various aspects of life, including the balance between work and rest. While sleep is a gift from God and necessary for our well-being, the Scriptures also warn against laziness, idleness, and overindulgence in sleep. Sleeping too much can be a sign of neglecting responsibilities and a lack of discipline. These verses emphasize the importance of diligence, productivity, and the wise use of time. Here are 30 Bible verses related to sleeping too much, each with a brief commentary.
1. Proverbs 6:9-11
“How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 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.”
This proverb warns against excessive sleep. It teaches that overindulgence in sleep can lead to laziness, which in turn brings about poverty and lack, urging us to be diligent and disciplined in our daily lives.
2. Proverbs 20:13
“Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.”
Solomon advises against loving sleep too much. It teaches that an excessive love for sleep can result in poverty, while staying awake and working diligently ensures that we have enough to meet our needs.
3. Proverbs 19:15
“Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.”
This verse connects laziness with excessive sleep. It teaches that laziness often leads to excessive sleep, which in turn causes a lack of productivity and eventually results in hunger and need.
4. Proverbs 24:33-34
“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.”
This verse echoes the warning against too much sleep. It teaches that even a small habit of oversleeping can lead to significant consequences, such as poverty and scarcity, emphasizing the need for vigilance and hard work.
5. Ecclesiastes 10:18
“Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.”
Solomon highlights the consequences of laziness. It teaches that neglecting responsibilities, often due to excessive sleep or idleness, can lead to deterioration and problems in our lives, much like a house falling into disrepair.
6. Proverbs 10:5
“He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”
This proverb contrasts diligence with laziness. It teaches that sleeping during times of opportunity, like harvest season, is disgraceful, while being diligent and timely in our efforts leads to success and honor.
7. Matthew 26:40-41
“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'”
Jesus warns His disciples about the dangers of falling asleep at crucial times. It teaches that spiritual vigilance is necessary, and too much sleep can cause us to miss important moments of prayer and spiritual preparation.
8. Proverbs 12:24
“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”
This proverb highlights the value of diligence. It teaches that those who are diligent in their work will rise to positions of leadership, while those who are lazy and indulge in excessive sleep may find themselves in subservient positions.
9. Romans 13:11
“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”
Paul calls believers to wake up from spiritual slumber. It teaches that we must be alert and active in our faith, recognizing that the time is urgent and not allowing spiritual laziness or excessive sleep to dull our readiness for Christ’s return.
10. Ephesians 5:14
“This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'”
Paul encourages spiritual awakening. It teaches that sleeping too much, both physically and spiritually, can cause us to miss out on the light of Christ and the opportunities to live out our faith.
11. Mark 13:35-36
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.”
Jesus warns about the importance of being watchful. It teaches that we must stay spiritually alert and avoid excessive sleep or laziness, so we are ready when Christ returns, not caught unprepared.
12. 1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
Paul calls for alertness and self-control. It teaches that believers should remain spiritually awake and self-disciplined, avoiding the dangers of complacency and excessive sleep that can dull our spiritual senses.
13. Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work. It teaches that diligence and effort lead to success, while laziness and excessive sleep, represented by mere talk, result in poverty and unmet needs.
14. Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Paul encourages wholehearted work. It teaches that in all we do, including avoiding excessive sleep, we should work diligently as if serving the Lord, making the most of our time and efforts.
15. Proverbs 18:9
“One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”
This proverb warns against laziness. It teaches that being lazy or sleeping too much is akin to being destructive, as it leads to wasted opportunities and potential harm, both to oneself and others.
16. 1 Corinthians 15:34
“Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.”
Paul urges believers to wake up from spiritual lethargy. It teaches that sleeping too much or being spiritually complacent can lead to sin and ignorance of God’s ways, calling us to be vigilant and aware.
17. Proverbs 13:4
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
This proverb contrasts laziness with diligence. It teaches that those who are lazy and indulge in excessive sleep will always feel unfulfilled, while those who are diligent will see their desires and needs met.
18. Hebrews 6:12
“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
The writer of Hebrews warns against laziness. It teaches that laziness, including sleeping too much, can prevent us from inheriting God’s promises, encouraging us instead to follow the example of those who are faithful and diligent.
19. Proverbs 21:25
“The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.”
This proverb highlights the dangers of laziness. It teaches that laziness, which often leads to excessive sleep, can result in unmet needs and even destruction, urging us to be active and hardworking.
20. Luke 9:32
“Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.”
This verse recounts the Transfiguration, where the disciples nearly missed a moment of glory due to sleepiness. It teaches that excessive sleep can cause us to miss important spiritual experiences and revelations.
21. Proverbs 22:13
“The sluggard says, ‘There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!'”
This proverb illustrates the excuses of a lazy person. It teaches that those who sleep too much often make excuses to avoid work, allowing fear and laziness to control their actions, leading to missed opportunities.
22. Psalm 121:4
“Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
This verse highlights God’s constant vigilance. It teaches that while God never sleeps, ensuring our protection, we too should strive to be alert and diligent, avoiding the pitfalls of excessive sleep.
23. Proverbs 26:14
“As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.”
This proverb uses vivid imagery to describe laziness. It teaches that those who indulge in too much sleep are like a door that only moves back and forth without progress, illustrating the futility of laziness.
24. Matthew 25:5
“The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.”
This verse is from the Parable of the Ten Virgins. It teaches that spiritual vigilance is essential, as those who sleep too much may be unprepared for important moments, like the coming of the bridegroom (Christ).
25. Proverbs 15:19
“The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.”
This proverb contrasts the difficulties of laziness with the ease of diligence. It teaches that laziness and excessive sleep can create obstacles in our lives, while diligence clears the way for progress and success.
26. Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
The psalmist asks God for wisdom in using time wisely. It teaches that understanding the value of time encourages us to avoid excessive sleep and use our days productively, seeking God’s wisdom in all we do.
27. Proverbs 6:6-8
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
This proverb encourages learning from the ant’s diligence. It teaches that we should be self-motivated and hardworking, like the ant, avoiding laziness and excessive sleep to ensure we are prepared for the future.
28. Ecclesiastes 5:12
“The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.”
Solomon reflects on the peace of a hardworking life. It teaches that those who work diligently enjoy restful sleep, in contrast to those who are idle or overly focused on wealth, who find sleep elusive.
29. Proverbs 10:26
“As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them.”
This proverb illustrates the irritation caused by laziness. It teaches that excessive sleep and laziness not only harm the individual but also cause frustration for others who depend on them, emphasizing the value of being dependable and diligent.
30. Romans 12:11
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Paul encourages believers to maintain zeal and dedication. It teaches that in both spiritual and practical matters, we should avoid lethargy and excessive sleep, instead keeping our energy and enthusiasm focused on serving the Lord.
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