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You are here: Home / Goals and Productivity / 45 Bible Verses for Procrastination

45 Bible Verses for Procrastination

November 4, 2013 By: Barb Raveling

This post may contain affiliate links. View our disclosure policy here.
Bible Verses for Procrastination

Do you ever struggle with following through on your goals or your to-do list? I do.

Sometimes I have a terrible time making myself do what I’m supposed to do.

Here are some of my go-to verses for writing, but they should be helpful for anything you’re procrastinating.

Boundaries – Sticking to the List

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. Romans 13:14

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:17

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2

That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.  Ephesians 4:22-24
Freedom from Procrastination - Procrastination Bible Verses

Procrastination Bible Study: Since posting these procrastination Bible verses years ago, I’ve written a Bible study on overcoming procrastination. Click here for more info on that. Keep reading for more Bible verses on procrastination!

Entitlement

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. Philippians 2:5-8

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7-8

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.  Hebrews 13:15

Fear of Failure

For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 1 Peter 2:20

For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:17

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7-8

Feeling like it’s too hard.

In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33b

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; it is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?  Hebrews 12:4,7

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Feeling Like You Can’t Do It

For by You I can run upon a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall. 2 Samuel 22:30

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:6-8

Indulgence

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:19-21

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:15-16

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:24, 33-34

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4:11

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.  James 1:17

So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior, because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

Laziness

The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 15:19

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9

For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. Philippians 3:19-20

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.  Colossians 3:23-24

Perfectionism

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.     Matthew 11:28-30

Self-condemnation (for not getting enough done)

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Luke 6:36-37

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Colossians 3:12-15

Question: Do you have any favorite Bible verses for procrastination or time management?

Freedom from Procrastination - Procrastination Bible Verses

Procrastination Bible Study: If you’d like more help with overcoming procrastination, check out Freedom from Procrastination: Living Joyfully and Productively with God’s Help.

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Comments

  1. floyd says

    November 4, 2013 at 6:40 am

    The verses in Proverbs where it refers to the lazy man as a “sloth” was the first thing that popped into my mind. We’re all guilty to one degree or another. Those are wonderful verses and a great encouragement. Thanks, that had to be a lot of work!

    • Barb Raveling says

      November 4, 2013 at 7:04 am

      I’ve just been collecting them over the course of the last year and a half as I’ve been blogging, so it hasn’t been any extra work. When I see a verse that I think will be helpful during my quiet time, I just jot it down.

    • Caleb says

      November 4, 2013 at 7:53 am

      Yes, Proverbs has a lot of verses about work and procrastination. Here’s my favorite.

      Proverbs 6:6-8
      6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

      7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

      8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

      • Barb Raveling says

        November 4, 2013 at 4:23 pm

        That’s a good one, Caleb. I remember one of my fellow camp counselors quoting a Proverbs verses to me about sluggards when I was working at a backpacking camp in college and didn’t get out of my sleeping bag early enough. There are some good ones in Proverbs.

  2. Bernard Haynes says

    November 4, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Excellent job, Barb. You wrote this especially for me because you know I struggle with procrastination. I am saving these scriptures on my computer.

    • Barb Raveling says

      November 4, 2013 at 4:21 pm

      Haha, yes, you and me. I used to pray through these quite a bit when I couldn’t make myself write. They’re helpful.

  3. TCAvey says

    November 4, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    Great job!

    One of the first verses I ever memorized was Phil 4:13. That has gotten me through some really tough times.

    • Barb Raveling says

      November 4, 2013 at 4:21 pm

      Yes, that’s a great one.

  4. karen Foster says

    November 5, 2013 at 8:59 am

    I think you covered all the bases for procrastination. I’m going to print and memorize these verses…..if not today, tomorrow.

    • Barb Raveling says

      November 5, 2013 at 12:33 pm

      lol, you are so funny, Karen. That’s a brilliant idea. :)

  5. Elizabeth Archer says

    November 5, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Just printed! You are such a life saver Barb! (((((BIG HUG))))

    • Barb Raveling says

      November 5, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      lol, thanks, Elizabeth. :)

  6. Loren Pinilis says

    November 5, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    Man, Barb – this is awesome stuff. I’ll have to steal this!

    • Barb Raveling says

      November 5, 2013 at 3:40 pm

      Lol, that’s fine with me, since I stole it from the Word. :)

  7. Ngina Otiende says

    November 5, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    So many good verses Barb..(all God’s word is good..i mean they have good application in my life right now)

    Earlier today I was thinking to myself and telling God that alot of my writing and charity work ‘trials’ are not turning me into a better person! You know how you go through a season of stretching and you hope that you will grow up a little bit more, respond better to trials, have better insight and motivation? But keep falling into the same hole?!

    I love James 1:2-4 9 (amongst others), gives me hope! “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
    knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let
    endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and
    complete, lacking in nothing.”

    I might not feel all the “endurance” and growth… but i know it’s there somewhere! :) Thanks so much for the encouragement.

    • Barb Raveling says

      November 5, 2013 at 3:43 pm

      In my experience growth through trials is more like growth when you’re getting a college degree. It seems like years of little bits of growth, and then all of a sudden you realize, I’m not doing that behavior anymore. All of a sudden the “studying” of the Word and applying the Word to the trials is paying off. Just gotta keep putting in those hours! I’m having the same experience with my writing. Lots of training. :)

  8. Dan Black says

    November 5, 2013 at 11:19 pm

    These are some amazing passages. I think one of my favorite ones is Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9 Such a powerful thing to remember.

    • Barb Raveling says

      November 7, 2013 at 8:58 am

      I like that one too, Dan – it’s very encouraging and hopeful.

      • Dan Black says

        November 7, 2013 at 9:12 pm

        :)

  9. Dave Arnold says

    November 7, 2013 at 7:13 am

    Great verses Barb! I think a lot of procrastination boils down to a lack of boundaries, something (it seems) I’m having to constantly work on :)

    • Barb Raveling says

      November 7, 2013 at 8:58 am

      Yes, that’s so interesting, Dave. I think it does too. I talk about boundaries in my books on weight loss but it’s very similar with procrastination. With weight loss it’s not eating outside your boundaries and with procrastination it’s not playing outside your (work) boundaries. Or I suppose you could look at it the other way and put boundaries on the things you tend to waste time with.

  10. Kathy Kredit says

    September 21, 2016 at 10:48 am

    Barb, THANKS! Still all this time later your study is being appreciated. I needed this, when I googled procrastination this morning. Blessings on you from our father God through Jesus Christ his son. Kat

    • Barb Raveling says

      September 23, 2016 at 2:38 pm

      Thanks, Kat! So glad the Bible verses are helpful!

  11. Stacey Wieder says

    April 8, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    Thank you for sharing these! After 29 years, I’ve returned to college – I’m having a tough time staying focused on my work load, balancing excelerated classes and full time work. I needed this refreshment & appreciate you took the time to get it together as a resource here. Blessing to you!

    • Barb Raveling says

      April 11, 2018 at 10:24 am

      Blessings to you too, Stacey! That sounds like a huge undertaking working full time and also going to school. I think I would want to procrastinate too! I think it’s wonderful that you’re going back though. Praying God will bless you through this season in your life!

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