What does the Bible say about career?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that work and vocation are gifts to be pursued with diligence, wisdom, generosity, and dependence on God rather than as ultimate sources of identity or security. Proverbs 22:29 commends skillful, faithful labor, while Luke 14:28 encourages thoughtful planning and counting the cost. Scripture also warns against making wealth or advancement an idol: Proverbs 22:7 cautions about debt, and Proverbs 13:22 commends wise stewardship that blesses future generations. A believer’s career should serve love of neighbor, including generosity toward the poor as Proverbs 19:17 teaches. Above all, Ephesians 3:14-21 directs Christians to seek strength and fullness in Christ, whose love gives every calling its proper place.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 22:29

    Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings; He won't serve obscure men.

  • Proverbs 19:17

    He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.

  • Proverbs 13:22

    A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.

  • Luke 14:28

    For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?

  • Proverbs 22:7

    The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.

  • Ephesians 3:14-21

    [14] For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, [16] that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; [17] that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know Christ's love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. [20] Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, [21] to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

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