What does the Bible say about work?
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The Bible teaches that work is a good gift and calling from God, to be done faithfully for his glory, the good of others, and with grateful dependence on his blessing. God placed Adam in the garden to cultivate and keep it (Genesis 2:15), and believers are called to work wholeheartedly as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Diligence ordinarily brings profit, while laziness harms both worker and neighbor (Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 18:9). Work also enables generosity rather than selfish gain (Ephesians 4:28). Yet its lasting fruit comes from God: we commit our labor to him and ask him to establish the work of our hands (Proverbs 16:3; Psalms 90:17).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Colossians 3:23
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,
- Proverbs 16:3
Commit your deeds to Yahweh, And your plans shall succeed.
- Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
[12] I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live. [13] Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
- Genesis 2:15
Yahweh God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- Psalms 90:17
Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; Establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
- Proverbs 18:9
One who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
- Proverbs 14:23
In all hard work there is profit, But the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
- Ephesians 4:28
Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
- Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
[18] Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion. [19] Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God. [20] For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.
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