What does the Bible say about wasting time?

Divine wisdom on time

By Shawn Buckles

Seek wisdom in using your time, as the Bible teaches. Ephesians and Proverbs guide us to prioritize wisely and act with intention.

The Bible doesn't explicitly mention "wasting time," but it emphasizes using time wisely. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This suggests valuing time and living purposefully.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
Colossians 4:5

Summary

  • Effective time management is a virtue highlighted through scriptural wisdom.
  • The way time is used can reflect personal values and spiritual priorities.
  • Biblical teachings suggest that time should be dedicated to purposeful and righteous activities.

Bible mentions wasting time in the following books:

  • Redeeming the Time (2020): This book offers practical guidance on managing time effectively, drawing inspiration from biblical principles to help readers prioritize their life in a way that honors God.

  • The Time Management Principle (2018): A comprehensive exploration of time management through a biblical lens, encouraging readers to reflect on how they use their time in light of eternal perspectives.

  • Living Beyond the Clock (2019): Integrates biblical wisdom with modern time management strategies, aiming to help readers balance work, rest, and spiritual growth.

  • Purposeful Living (2021): Focuses on finding and fulfilling God's purpose for your life, emphasizing the importance of using time wisely to achieve meaningful goals.

  • The 24-Hour Christian (2017): Offers insights into making the most of every day by aligning daily actions with biblical teachings, emphasizing the value of time and the impact of small, consistent efforts.

Biblical Wisdom on Time Management

In the Bible, time management is not merely a practical life skill, but a spiritual principle. They learn that their days are an opportunity, and that understanding God's timing and the value of every moment are key to living life to the fullest.

Understanding God's Timing

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven," proclaims Ecclesiastes 3:1. This verse illuminates the divine orchestration of timing and season in one's life. It instructs believers to discern that different periods come with varying purposes, all within God's sovereign plan. Understanding this can lead to the wise use of time, aligning one's actions with God's timing rather than against it.

The Value of Each Moment

"Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom," prays the psalmist in Psalm 90:12. This plea highlights the transient nature of life and the importance of appreciating every day.

Similarly, James 4:14 states, "You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." Herein lies a warning against procrastination and a call to seize the opportunities (time, opportunity) that one is given, as life can be fleeting and each moment is precious.

The Consequences of Wasting Time

The Bible provides clear insights on the repercussions of wasting time by promoting a virtuous use of one's time and admonishing slothfulness and procrastination. These time-honored warnings emphasize the value of diligence and the pitfalls of idleness.

Warnings Against Slothfulness

Proverbs 6:9-11 cautions vividly about being idle, drawing a direct connection between laziness and eventual poverty. It illustrates the gradual progression from rest to ruin with the words, "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 6:9-11 identifies slothfulness as more than just wasted time—it is a path that can lead to serious consequences.

Similarly, Proverbs 24:30-34 gives a practical example of what happens when one neglects their responsibilities due to laziness. The passage describes a vineyard overrun by thorns and a wall broken down due to lack of care, symbolizing the broader decay that can result from slothfulness.

Dangers of Procrastination

Procrastination is often a product of wasting time on the wrong pursuits or delaying important tasks. The Bible frames procrastination as not only unwise but also as an attribute that can lead to evil, because it squanders the precious resource of time and distracts from one's true purpose.

The Scripture highlights the importance of discerning one's actions and living wisely, especially because "the days are evil." This implies that failing to use time wisely can make one vulnerable to negative influences and lost opportunities.

The Righteous Use of Time

In the Bible, the righteous use of time is depicted not only as a wise practice but also as a clear expectation of those who seek to live according to God’s will. Here, specific passages guide believers in applying time with purpose and diligence.

Living with Diligence

Proverbs 12:24 states, “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.” This highlights how diligence is a key factor in righteous living.

The use of time effectively, by being diligent, is strongly advocated as a means to personal and spiritual success. A person who employs their time carefully demonstrates a clear purpose and respect for the time that has been given to them.

Seizing the Day

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and understanding the Lord's guidance. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

This suggests that appreciating every opportunity given to them and acting upon it wisely is a hallmark of those living in a way that honors the will of God. It is about making conscious choices to use time valiantly and with intention.

Time as a Reflection of Our Heart

In the Bible, one's use of time is often indicative of what they hold dear in their heart. Scripture suggests that a heart aligned with God's intentions is wise and uses time effectively.

Aligning Desires with God's Will

The Book of Matthew emphasizes seeking God's kingdom first, as expressed in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

This passage reveals that when individuals prioritize God's will in their lives, their use of time reflects that commitment. They focus on activities that have eternal significance and promote spiritual growth.

Stewardship of God-Given Time

Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

The heart, as the seat of desires and passions, should be guarded with wisdom, leading to a thoughtful stewardship of the precious time God has granted. Time is a finite resource entrusted to humanity by God the Father, and how one manages it can be a measure of their faithfulness.

They are called to manage their hours and days not just with efficiency, but with a mindfulness of serving God and reflecting His love to others.

Practical Christianity and Time

In the realm of practical Christianity, time is considered a valuable asset that ought to be used wisely. The biblical perspective underlines the importance of honoring God through daily activities and the necessity of rest and reflection to rejuvenate one's spirit.

Honoring God Through Work

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

This verse encapsulates the notion that in all forms of labour, whether secular or spiritual, one should exhibit a strong work ethic as an act of worship. In the Christian context, work becomes an offering to God, transforming even mundane tasks into sacred duties.

  • Ephesians 4:28: Stealing is denounced and instead, the emphasis is put on working with one's hands in order to share with those in need.
  • Proverbs 14:23: This Proverb asserts that diligent work leads to profit, contrasting it with mere talk which results in poverty.

The Principle of Rest and Reflection

Rest is not merely an absence of work, but is seen as a command and blessing from God. The Bible does not directly define rest as idleness. Instead, it's a time for prayer and reflection.

Rest is also a time for restoring one's energy for the work they are called to do. Christians understand this principle within the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day, setting a pattern for human rhythms of work and repose.

Christians believe in taking time to:

  • Reflect on the gifts given by God, including the very hours in their day.
  • Pray and meditate on God's word to gain strength for their tasks.

This structured approach to rest and reflection ensures that they are neither overworked nor lapse into idleness. Instead, they maintain a balanced life that honors God in all aspects.

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