What does the Bible say about working hard?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible commends diligent, faithful labor as a God-given calling, done not to earn salvation but to serve the Lord, provide for others, and honor him. Proverbs teaches that diligence brings provision and responsibility, while laziness leads to lack and wasted opportunity (Proverbs 13:4; 12:11; 12:24; 14:23). Believers are to commit their work to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3) and do it wholeheartedly as for Christ himself (Colossians 3:23), whether in ordinary employment, home, or service to neighbor. Scripture also calls us to provide for our households and rejects idle dependence when a person is able to work (1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Our strength and fruitfulness ultimately come from God through Christ (Philippians 4:13).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, But the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
- Proverbs 14:23
In all hard work there is profit, But the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
- 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.
- Proverbs 12:24
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, But laziness ends in slave labor.
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
- 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.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
[10] For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat." [11] For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies. [12] Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
- Proverbs 12:11
He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, But he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
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