Going back to school? Starting a new business? Feeling burnt out at your job? We all know there are days when we need a little pep talk to make it through the day. You may be surprised to find out the Bible has a lot to say when it comes to work. Even if you are a stay-at-home parent or otherwise unemployed, scripture has some advice about how to live your life. Here are some of the most inspirational Bible verses about hard work.
“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.”
When it comes to accomplishing work, you need to focus on the most important things. What are the tasks you need to complete in order to put food on the table? Don’t waste the day on social media or by watching television!
Let’s be honest: any time you need inspirational Bible verses about hard work or any other virtue, the book of Proverbs is a great place to start. In fact you’re going to see more passages from this wise book soon...
“Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and to keep it.”
Remember that God has had a purpose for 100% of the people He put on earth, starting with Adam. What work are you here to accomplish? What skills has God given you to do the work? We were made for a reason!
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men,”
Don’t let distractions and temptations keep you from doing the work with which God has tasked you. If your boss is giving you a hard time or your customers are too demanding or [insert other thing you don’t like about your job], remember that the Bible demands we do our work as unto the Lord.
“By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.”
You might be expecting these inspirational Bible verses about hard work to only be about production and putting it all on the line, but scripture also tells us to take it easy every now and then. The Old Testament reminds us again and again that the Israelites, and even God Himself, valued rest. Work hard, but don’t overdo it.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
The manner in which you do your work is just as important as how productive you are. God doesn’t care if you are the best salesman in the tri-state area if you are backstabbing co-workers and lying to you customers at the same time. All of your actions are taken into account by God, not just what you do after punching the clock. Be a beacon of light in a dark world.
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in His sleep.”
Another one of the important verses to keep in mind is this passage from the book of Psalms. While it’s commendable to put in a long, hard day at work, we should remember that we are counting on God for every good thing in our lives. Don’t live your life like it all depends on you.
“Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”
What are your goals in life? Are you burning the candle at both ends solely for the purpose of buying a bigger house or another car? Our first priority should be growing in faith and helping others to do the same. Instead of burying your head in work, think of ways you can be an example to your family and serve at church.
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat.”
Has your child (or perhaps you) ever complained about being hungry, but refused to get off the couch because she is so comfortable? Proverbs shows us that this is not a recent phenomenon. As long as societies have valued work, there have been individuals unwilling to do it. Being diligent in your work puts you and your family in the best spot for accruing the things you need.
“For by grace you have been saved and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
The Bible has a lot to say about work, not just in the way of a career but in how you live your life. God has called you to be one who does good works, just don’t expect those works alone to be enough for salvation. We work hard in life for the purpose of glorifying the Lord, which is a greater calling than being named Employee of the Month.
“Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.”
Not all of the inspirational Bible verses about hard work are encouraging little phrases you can sew onto a pillow. Sometimes they highlight the righteous actions of one who is doing his job right. Hezekiah was a Godly king in a time when that wasn’t so common. He tore down altars that worshiped idols and committed the country back to God. Here we see that the fruit of his labor was good because he gave 100% and sought God first.
“The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.”
This command from Paul to Timothy is found in a long list of beliefs centered on doing what is right. We should be paid what we are owed for doing a job, especially if we have encountered a level of suffering along the way. If you are working in a group, be mindful of how much of the load is being shared by each member.
“Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.”
Here we are in the book of Proverbs again. While there is an application for this verse in your career, Proverbs 16:3 is more concerned with your actions as a whole. It’s not about asking God to do what you want or to make that deal at your job happen, but committing your actions to be only those that glorify the Lord. He is the top priority.
“The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.”
You may not always see it, but there is a joy that comes from doing work. When you have put in the effort and earned your money, be it a lot or not as much as you’d like, it feels good. That’s why a working man has more appreciation for his possessions and can sleep soundly at night. On the other hand a rich man who is never satisfied with money loses sleep due to his envy and desire.
“He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys.”
The people of the Bible knew that a community which doesn’t value work will not last. That’s why this proverb teaches us to associate laziness with destruction. A fruitless exercise would be to think of the many great accomplishments in history that came from laziness. At best you will only discover instances where one was lazy and another did the work for him.
“He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.”
Many of the inspirational Bible verses about hard work focus on doing more, but this proverb forbids us from taking it too far. If God has blessed you with riches, the point is not to hoard your wealth. You must treat others fairly and take care of those whom you can help. If not, don’t be surprised if God finds a way to make your pockets a lot lighter.
“But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.”
Have you ever considered the fact that one of your biggest reasons for doing work is to not be a hindrance on others? Sure, it’s nice just to bring home a paycheck, but by doing so you are freeing up resources for those who are truly in need. The more we can push others to be self-sufficient, the more a community can attend to the needs of those who are really hurting. Be responsible and work hard so that you can do some good out there.
“For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in Christ Jesus in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.”
This is a passage often cited when it comes to the subject of work. In the days of the early church, communities of believers were coming together and sharing in all kinds of resources: money, land, food, etc. Sadly there were those in these communities who simply wanted to take and not give back. They would question authority and start trouble between people instead of helping the church. Our advice? Don’t be this person in your church or at work.
“When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, you will be happy and it will be well with you.”
When reading Psalm 128 you will see a number of blessings for the family who is devoted to the kingdom of God. One item of note is that your work will feel more fulfilling when you are laboring in a way that pleases God. We can always enjoy the fruit of our labor, but it will taste even better when we are walking with the Lord.
“In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
There is something to be said for someone who thinks through his decisions and talks his way through a problem, but if that’s all you’re good for, you won’t be enjoying too many paychecks. Eventually there has to be some initiative on your part, whether that means going to school, applying for a job, building a business, or getting a deal done.
“He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.”
Hard work is good for the community. When you do not strive to be better or achieve more, it can be tempting to just let everything slide. We can only entertain laziness for so long because we eventually fall into a helpless state. To work is to be strong and self-reliant. By doing so we put ourselves into a position where we can be of more assistance to others.
“‘A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest’ -- your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.”
The last of our inspirational bible verses about hard work is a favorite among Dave Ramsey listeners. We already heard from Proverbs 18:9 that laziness leads to destruction. That theme is repeated here by warning us that we set ourselves up for failure when we lack discipline. By working to the best of your ability and pursuing the glory of God, you strengthen your position for when challenges come.
These inspirational Bible verses about hard work show that God’s call for us to create, cultivate, and protect is still alive and well. We shouldn’t fear the office and we also shouldn’t forget the important things and people waiting for us at home each night. If you commit to looking at your job as a way to worship the Lord, you just might find it a little easier to get ready in the morning.
The Bible is the best way to get motivated and grow in your faith. Another way in which people absorb spiritual truths is by listening to Christian music, reading books, and watching Christian films. At the K-LOVE Fan Awards, we know just how important it is for people to have entertainment and media that espouses Christian beliefs. That’s why we bring fans together with the artists who have made the biggest impact for the ultimate fan experience. Find out how you can join us for all of the festivities by clicking on the link below.
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