What does the Bible say about working?
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The Bible teaches that work is a good calling from God, to be done diligently, honestly, and wholeheartedly for his glory and the good of others. Colossians 3:23 directs believers to work as for the Lord, while 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 commends quiet, responsible labor that earns respect and avoids needless dependence. Scripture also warns against refusing ordinary responsibility, as in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, and urges provision for one’s household in 1 Timothy 5:8. Yet work is not ultimate: Ecclesiastes 2:21 recognizes its frustrations, and Ecclesiastes 9:10 calls for faithful effort in the days God gives. Our deepest hope rests not in achievement but in Christ, confessed as Lord in Romans 10:9.
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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,
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."
- 1 Timothy 5:8
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.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
[11] and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we charged you; [12] that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.
- Ecclesiastes 2:21
For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.
- Romans 10:9
that if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
- Luke 10:30-37
[30] Jesus answered, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, [34] came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. [35] On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, 'Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.' [36] Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?" [37] He said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
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