Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5385 leisure  »  5386 leisure, nature and purpose of

Scripture affirms that periods of rest and leisure are part of God's creation order. These periods of rest are to be used wisely.

The need for leisure

The Sabbath rest

Genesis 2:2; Exodus 20:8-10 pp Deuteronomy 5:12-15 See also Exodus 23:11 During the sabbath year, the labourers presumably also rested; Leviticus 23:3

Rest commanded by Jesus Christ

Mark 6:31-32

Leisure a gift of God

Psalm 23:2 See also Matthew 11:28; Mark 2:27; Revelation 14:13

Loss of leisure a judgment

Isaiah 48:22 See also Ecclesiastes 2:23; Ecclesiastes 5:12; Isaiah 57:20-21; Revelation 14:11

Responsible use of leisure

Work must come first

Proverbs 10:5; Luke 17:7-8

Remember God's presence

1 Corinthians 10:31 See also Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

Use time wisely

Ephesians 5:15-16

The dangers of leisure

Idleness

1 Timothy 5:13 See also Proverbs 6:9-11; Proverbs 24:30-31; Proverbs 26:14; Ecclesiastes 10:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:11; Hebrews 6:12

Preoccupation with pleasure

Luke 8:14 See also Proverbs 21:17; Isaiah 5:11; Luke 15:13; 1 Timothy 5:6; 2 Timothy 3:4; James 5:5

Susceptibility to sin

1 Timothy 5:13 See also 2 Samuel 11:1-5; Esther 1:10-11; Amos 4:1

Spiritual complacency

Amos 6:1,4-7 See also Isaiah 5:11-13; Luke 12:16-21; Luke 21:34

See also

5056  rest
5343  idleness
5532  sleep
5537  sleeplessness
5539  sluggard
5810  complacency
5918  pleasure
7428  Sabbath
8808  riches