What does the Bible say about labor day?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that work is a good gift and calling from God, to be done diligently, honestly, and for his glory, while rest is received as a gracious provision from him. Believers are to labor not merely for earthly reward but as servants of Christ, trusting him for their inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24). Scripture commends productive work, generosity, and provision for one’s household, while warning against idleness (Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; 1 Timothy 5:8). Yet God also commands regular rest, and Jesus invites the weary to find true rest in him (Exodus 20:9-10; Matthew 11:28-30). Our labor is steadfast but never ultimate, for it is the Lord who gives it lasting fruit (1 Corinthians 15:58; Proverbs 16:3).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:28 6 votes
Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, producing with his hands something that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
- Colossians 3:23-24 5 votes
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
- Proverbs 14:23 5 votes
In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 5 votes
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.” For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread.
- Matthew 11:28-30 4 votes
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 4 votes
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
- Exodus 20:9-10 4 votes
You shall labor six days, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates;
- 1 Timothy 5:8 4 votes
But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
- Proverbs 6:6-8 4 votes
Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise; which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
- Proverbs 16:3 3 votes
Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.
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