The Bible promotes wise stewardship of resources, encouraging believers not to waste what they have been given. Scripture teaches gratitude and responsibility for our possessions and the environment, urging people to use resources thoughtfully and respect God’s creation.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Wasteful
1. Proverbs 21:20
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
This verse highlights the importance of being wise and cautious with resources. It encourages us to be prudent with our possessions, avoiding wastefulness.
In this context, storing up food and oil represents responsible stewardship and preparing for the future, while the behavior of fools who consume quickly without consideration is seen as wasteful and lacking wisdom.
2. John 6:12
“When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’
In this passage, Jesus demonstrates the value of not wasting resources. After miraculously feeding thousands of people with just a few loaves and fish, He instructs His disciples to collect the remaining fragments, emphasizing the importance of being good stewards and avoiding waste.
This verse teaches us to appreciate and make the most of what we have, recognizing that God’s provision is abundant and that wastefulness goes against the principles of stewardship.
3. Luke 15:13
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.”
This verse tells the story of the prodigal son who recklessly squandered his inheritance through extravagant and wasteful living. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the consequences of being wasteful with our resources.
It reminds us to be responsible and wise with the blessings and provisions we have been given, avoiding frivolous and impulsive behaviors that lead to waste and regret.
4. Proverbs 12:27
“The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”
In this verse, the contrast is drawn between the lazy, who fail to utilize resources effectively, and the diligent, who enjoy abundance due to their active efforts.
It illustrates the idea that laziness and a lack of diligent work can lead to wastefulness, while hard work and careful management of resources can lead to an abundance that is not squandered.
5. Matthew 25:24-26
“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.”
This parable of the talents emphasizes the importance of good stewardship and the consequences of being wasteful with the resources entrusted to us.
The servant who buried his master’s money out of fear and laziness is rebuked for his lack of productivity, contrasting with the other servants who wisely invested and multiplied their master’s resources. This passage reminds us to use our gifts and resources wisely, rather than wasting or burying them out of fear or laziness.
6. Proverbs 19:24
“A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!”
This verse portrays a person who is so lazy and unproductive that they won’t even bring their hand back to their mouth after dipping it in the dish.
It serves as an illustration of wastefulness through laziness, emphasizing the importance of being proactive and diligent in order to avoid squandering our resources.
7. Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
This verse exposes the futility of pursuing endless wealth and material possessions. It highlights how the insatiable desire for more can lead to wastefulness, as it becomes a never-ending pursuit without true satisfaction.
Instead, it encourages us to focus on contentment and find value in what we already have, rather than constantly seeking more and risking the waste of resources in the process.
8. Isaiah 55:2
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”
This verse calls attention to the futility of investing time, money, and effort into things that do not bring true satisfaction or fulfillment.
It encourages us to be discerning in our choices, focusing on what truly nourishes and brings joy, rather than wasting resources on pursuits that ultimately leave us empty.
9. Proverbs 18:9
“One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”
This verse draws a parallel between those who are lazy and ineffective in their work and those who actively engage in destruction.
It implies that wasting time, neglecting responsibilities, and being unproductive can have destructive consequences, both for oneself and others.
10. Ecclesiastes 6:2
“A man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.”
This verse highlights the emptiness and waste that can occur when someone possesses great wealth and abundance but lacks the ability to enjoy or use them effectively.
It serves as a reminder that true enjoyment and fulfillment come from a balanced perspective, wise stewardship, and the ability to appreciate what we have been given.
11. Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
This verse contrasts the consequences of laziness and diligence. It points out that laziness leads to poverty, while diligence and hard work result in prosperity.
By highlighting the importance of productivity and wise resource management, it encourages us to avoid wastefulness through laziness and instead prioritize diligence and responsible stewardship.
12. Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’
This verse exposes the fallacy of equating the abundance of possessions with the meaning and satisfaction of life.
It serves as a reminder that wastefulness can arise from the misguided pursuit of material wealth and possessions, encouraging us to prioritize what truly matters and avoid squandering resources on superficial gain.
13. Proverbs 13:4
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
This verse contrasts the insatiable appetite of a lazy person with the contentment experienced by those who diligently pursue their goals.
It reminds us that wastefulness can stem from laziness and a lack of focus, while satisfaction and fulfillment come from actively pursuing our purpose with diligence and perseverance.
14. Ecclesiastes 3:6
“…a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing…”
This verse, found within the famous passage about there being a time for everything, acknowledges that there are appropriate times to gather and times to refrain from gathering.
It suggests discernment and wise judgment in the use and collection of resources, reminding us to avoid wastefulness by recognizing the appropriate timing for different actions.
15. Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
This scripture reminds us that when we trust in God and rely on Him as our provider and guide, we lack nothing that we truly need.
By acknowledging that our needs are fulfilled in Him, we can avoid wastefulness by seeking contentment in what He provides and using our resources wisely.
16. Proverbs 21:17
“Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.”
This verse warns against the pursuit of excessive pleasure and indulgence, as it can lead to wastefulness and poverty.
It encourages a balanced approach to enjoyment, reminding us to be mindful of our desires and not allow them to lead us into wasteful habits.
17. Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship, highlighting that how we handle small amounts of resources reflects our character and approach to larger ones.
By avoiding wastefulness and being responsible with the little entrusted to us, we demonstrate integrity and prepare ourselves for greater blessings and responsibilities.
18. 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 passage encourages us to learn from the ant’s example of diligence and foresight in gathering and storing provisions.
It emphasizes the importance of avoiding wastefulness by being proactive, planning ahead, and utilizing resources wisely, even without direct supervision or external pressure.
19. Ecclesiastes 10:18
“If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.”
While this verse may not explicitly address wastefulness, it offers wisdom in avoiding unnecessary conflict and its resulting waste of resources.
By advocating for calmness and the preservation of relationships, it encourages us to prevent wasteful arguments or confrontations that may arise from impulsive reactions or pride.
20. Proverbs 23:21
“For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.”
In this verse, the consequences of indulgence and excess are illustrated, leading to wastefulness and poverty.
It serves as a reminder to exercise self-control and avoid excessive consumption, recognizing that it can ultimately result in the waste of resources and lead to negative outcomes.
21. Matthew 10:9-10
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.”
In this passage, Jesus sends out His disciples, instructing them to travel light and not carry unnecessary possessions.
It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing purpose and avoiding wastefulness by recognizing that material possessions are secondary to fulfilling their calling and relying on God’s provision.
22. Ephesians 5:15-16
“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 verse encourages us to be wise and intentional in how we live, avoiding wastefulness by making the most of every opportunity.
It reminds us to prioritize our actions and choices, recognizing the limited time we have and using our resources in ways that align with our purpose and values.
23. Proverbs 17:16
“Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?”
This verse highlights the futility and potential wastefulness of giving resources to those who lack wisdom or the ability to effectively utilize them.
It encourages discernment in how we allocate our resources, avoiding wasteful giving that does not result in positive outcomes or growth.
24. Philippians 4:11-12
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
This passage from the apostle Paul teaches the value of contentment in all circumstances, avoiding wastefulness through excessive discontentment or covetousness.
It encourages us to find joy and satisfaction regardless of our circumstances, freeing us from the cycle of wasteful accumulation or pursuit of material possessions.
25. Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches the importance of prioritizing eternal and spiritual treasures over temporary worldly possessions.
It warns against the wastefulness of accumulating wealth and possessions that can be easily lost, urging us to focus on storing up treasures in heaven through acts of love, service, and obedience to God.