# Is “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” in the Bible?

> No. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” is not in the Bible.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/idle-hands-are-the-devils-workshop
By Andrew Kittridge · October 28, 2026

Paul does warn against living in idleness (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12), and Proverbs sends the lazy person to watch the ant (Proverbs 6:6-8).

Not in the Bible. Origin uncertain.

## What the Bible says instead

> For we hear that some among you are living in idleness. They are not busy working; they are busybodies. Now such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and earn their own living.
>
> — [2 Thessalonians 3:11-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-thessalonians/3#11) (Lumin Translation)

> Go to the ant, you lazy person; watch her ways and become wise. She has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet she prepares her food in summer and gathers her provisions at harvest.
>
> — [Proverbs 6:6-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/6#6) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Is “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” in the Bible?

No. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” is not in the Bible. Paul does warn against living in idleness (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12), and Proverbs sends the lazy person to watch the ant (Proverbs 6:6-8).

### What does the Bible say instead?

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12, Proverbs 6:6-8. Paul does warn against living in idleness (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12), and Proverbs sends the lazy person to watch the ant (Proverbs 6:6-8).

## More

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- [Is “What goes around comes around” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/what-goes-around-comes-around.md)
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- [Is “Religion” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/religion.md)
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