The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings and teachings about how to live a godly life. One of these teachings is found in Proverbs 20:13, which says “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.” This verse advises against loving sleep too much and encourages being diligent and hardworking instead.
There are a few key reasons why the Bible warns against loving sleep too much:
1. Sleeping too much can lead to poverty and lack
The first part of Proverbs 20:13 directly states that loving sleep can lead to poverty. When we sleep excessively and are habitually lazy, we fail to work diligently. This can result in wasted time and missed opportunities, which can contribute to financial struggles and lack. The Bible emphasizes the importance of working hard and warns against being sluggish and sleeping one’s life away.
Proverbs 6:9-11 illustrates this point as well: “How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 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.” Sleeping too much prevents people from being productive and reaping the rewards of labor.
2. Being excessively sleepy can lead to poor decision-making
When we are rested and alert, we are able to think clearly and make wise choices. However, when we are drowsy and sluggish from oversleeping, it impairs our judgment. Important decisions require mental clarity and discernment.
The Bible warns against drunkenness for similar reasons – it impairs judgment and compromises wisdom (Proverbs 20:1). Just as we are told to be sober-minded, we are also advised to avoid being excessively sleepy. With too much sleep, our minds are not sharp.
3. Sleeping too much can reflect misplaced priorities
Sometimes loving sleep too much simply demonstrates a heart issue misplaced priorities. The Bible warns against laziness and complacency. When we sleep excessively, it can reflect a lack of self-control and discipline. It can also reveal pride, as we feel entitled to extra rest.
Rather than loving sleep, Christians are called to pursue good works, spiritual disciplines, excellence, and bringing glory to God. We only have a limited time on earth to serve God, so extended periods of sleep take away from that sacred purpose (Ephesians 5:15-17). Moderation and balance are key.
4. Time awake is an opportunity to accomplish God-given work
The second part of Proverbs 20:13 encourages us to open our eyes and use our time well. When we are awake and alert, we have the opportunity to accomplish meaningful work and fulfill our God-given purpose. Whether it is through our jobs, serving others, enjoying God’s creation, or growing deeper in our faith – our waking hours offer endless possibilities.
The Bible consistently exhorts believers to make the most of their time and work hard for the Lord. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Loving sleep excessively limits our ability to fully apply ourselves for God’s glory.
5. Jesus Christ set an example of diligent work during His earthly ministry
As the perfect Son of God, Jesus modeled flawless priorities and a strong work ethic during His earthly ministry. He understood His purpose and diligently invested His time in preaching, teaching, and serving others. Though He valued rest, Jesus did not sleep excessively or encourage laziness in His followers.
Jesus emphasized that He only did what He saw His Father doing (John 5:19). This included earnestly accomplishing His will and finishing the work God gave Him (John 4:34). As Christians, we are called to follow Christ’s example by walking in wisdom and making the most of our time (Colossians 4:5).
6. Our lives on earth are short, so we must number our days wisely
Human life is brief compared to eternity. Psalm 90:12 exhorts us to number our days wisely so we can have a heart of wisdom. Since our time is limited, we should carefully evaluate how we spend our hours. Sleep is a necessity, but excessive sleep simply wastes precious time God has given us to fulfill our purpose.
Ephesians 5:15-16 also reminds believers to walk in wisdom and “make the best use of the time.” While rest is appropriate, oversleeping excessively does not redeem the time and stem from wisdom. We are called to be wise stewards of the days God grants us.
7. Sleeping excessively can open the door to temptation
When we lack energy and focus from too much sleep, we become more susceptible to temptation. Self-control and discernment are diminished. The Bible consistently urges believers to be spiritually alert, sober-minded, and on guard against the enemy’s schemes (1 Peter 5:8). Excessive sleepiness makes us vulnerable.
Proverbs 24:33-34 illustrates this danger: “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.” Guarding our hearts requires self-discipline and temperance in sleep habits.
8. God created the day for wakeful activity and productivity
The natural order of God’s creation gives us a pattern for work and rest. Genesis describes the creation of night for rest and day for being fruitful: “And there was evening and there was morning, the first day” (Genesis 1:5). Evening rest prepares us for optimal productivity as each new day dawns.
God’s design shows the proper proportion between sleep and purposeful activity. Work first, then rest. Distorted priorities that love sleep too much disrupt this ideal rhythm God intended. Moderation and wisdom are key.
9. The Bible extols virtues incompatible with excessive sleep
Scripture consistently lifts up principles that do not align with oversleeping and loving sleep excessively. Values like diligence, self-control,redeeming the time, sobriety, and finishing strong contradict too much sleep and laziness (Titus 2:2, 2 Timothy 4:7-8).
As Philippians 2:12 says, Christians are called to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Working heartily for the Lord is emphasized far more than resting and leisure. While sleep is necessary, other priorities are emphasized.
10. Jesus could return any day, so we must be ready and stay spiritually awake
One day Jesus Christ will return and His followers will give an account before Him. The Bible exhorts believers to be ready, living intentionally and anticipating His return (Matthew 24:42-44). Being spiritually awake requires self-control and intentional use of time.
Excessive sleeping does not reflect a readiness for Jesus’ second coming. Revelation 3:2-3 warns, “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die…If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief.” Staying alert spiritually means wise time stewardship.
11. Our days on earth are a stewardship requiring diligent investment
As Christians, our lives belong to God and all our days are a stewardship from Him. He owns our time, priorities, abilities, and purpose. Since each moment is given by God, we must seek to use it according to His will and bring Him glory. This requires diligent investment of our waking hours.
The Parable of the Talents teaches these stewardship principles (Matthew 25:14-30). Failing to work diligently can have grave consequences. We will give an account for how well we managed what God entrusted to us – including our use of time.
12. Sleeping excessively can be a sign of unbelief in God’s provision
Sometimes sleeping too much stems from worry and anxiety rather than pure laziness. If we fail to trust God to provide for us and meet our needs, working excessively hard in our own strength can feel like the only solution. This mindset leads either to burnout or complacency.
The Bible consistently encourages casting our cares on God rather than carrying burdens ourselves (1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22). He promises to supply all our needs, and we can rest in His provision (Philippians 4:19). Wise time management requires faith in Him.
13. God promises strength to those who wait on Him and rise to serve Him
Some people defend oversleeping by saying they just feel too exhausted, so extra rest must be good stewardship. But Scripture promises renewed strength when we wait on the Lord for empowerment to complete His work (Isaiah 40:31). He invites the weary and heavy burdened to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
Rather than relying on more sleep, God wants us to rely on Him for daily strength and grace for each task. He will enable those who rise early to meet with Him (Isaiah 50:4) and serve Him. His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
14. Sleeping excessively can cultivate fleshly laziness instead of godly discipline
While sleep is a biological need, excessive sleeping often caters to comfort and complacency. It reflects the self-indulgent, undisciplined nature of the flesh instead of the Spirit-led self-control God desires.
Love of sleep reveals mixed priorities. Believers are called to proactively discipline the flesh and not make excuses for pampering it (1 Corinthians 9:27). Setting limits on rest cultivates godliness. Sleep provides needed rest; oversleeping feeds slothfulness.
15. Waking early to meet with God demonstrates spiritual discipline
When believers make time to start their day meeting with God in prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation, it reflects spiritual discipline. The desire to know and honor God is given priority over extra sleep. Waking early requires self-control and intentional planning.
Psalm 5:3 declares, “In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Developing a habit of waking early to know God begins each day with spiritual nourishment.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly warns believers against loving sleep too much. While adequate rest is appropriate, oversleeping can lead to negative personal and spiritual consequences. Scripture urges wisdom, diligence, faith and godly discipline in how we manage our time.
Through Jesus Christ, we can receive strength to redeem the time and courage to trust God rather than loving sleep excessively. By God’s grace, Christians can nurture lives marked by prayerful time stewardship for the glory of God.