Background Information
The Bible has many verses pertaining to working hard, as work and rewards for doing so are discussed in the Bible. The Bible speaks of the value of hard work, of being rewarded for one’s labour, and of the importance of using one’s talents and skills to increase one’s wealth. The Bible also speaks of the responsibility of those with wealth to share it and to not be selfish.
Working Hard to Prosper
The Bible suggests hard work is the way to economic success. Proverbs 14:23 says: “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Proverbs 16:26 says: “Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.”
The Apostle Paul encourages Christians to work with their hands: “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need?” (Ephesians 4:28). Jesus said man will be rewarded for his labour: “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done” (Matthew 16:27).
The Responsibility of Wealth
The Bible also discusses the responsibility of those with wealth to use it to help others in need. Proverbs 28:27 says: “Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.” Jesus said, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
The Bible also repeatedly warns against greed and warns us to put our trust in God and not wealth. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 says: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
The Blessing of Hard Work
God sees and blesses hard work. Proverbs 16:3 says: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” God also blesses those who help others who are in need: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed” (Proverbs 19:17).
The Bible makes it clear that hard work is necessary and those who work hard and help others will be rewarded. We should use our talents and work hard with the understanding that God will bless us.
Work Ethic and Character
The Bible also speaks of the importance of hard work in developing good character. Proverbs 12:11 says: “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” Proverbs 14:23 says: “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to work hard and do their best as if they were working for the Lord: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). In this way, they glorify God and develop good character, as they learn perseverance, responsibility, self-discipline, and how to follow through with the commitments they make.
Rediscovering Good Work Habits
When we become consumed by material possessions or develop a sense of entitlement, it is easy to forget the value of hard work. The Bible can help us to rediscover the importance of hard work and the benefits of working together with others.
Galatians 6:9 says: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The Bible teaches us that if we work hard and keep our motives pure, we will be rewarded for our efforts.
Work Attitude
Working hard and striving for excellence is the best way to show respect for God and for ourselves. Colossians 3:23 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
By working hard and faithfully, we can show God that we are committed to doing our best to serve Him and glorify Him with our lives.
Allowing God to Direct You
Our hard work should be done with a servant’s heart so that God can direct us to fulfill His plans. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
When we work hard and give our best effort, as God directs, we will reap the rewards of our labour and often find that what God has planned for us is even better than what we could have planned for ourselves.
Harvesting the Rewards of Hard Work
Hard work rewards us with feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. Proverbs 13: 4 says: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” This is because working hard and faithfully will often result in greater opportunities and rewards.
The Bible teaches us that hard work is honourable and blessed by God, but our focus should never be on material wealth, but on serving God and doing our best. Hard work is the way to economic success, but even if poverty is our lot, the Bible gives us hope.
Persevering Through Tough Times
Life can seem hard and discouraging at times, but there is always hope. Psalms 46:1 says: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” In Proverbs 24:10, we are encouraged to “not grow weary of doing good” and Isaiah 40:31 assures us to “wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” During difficult times, let us remember God is always with us and He will reward us for our hard work and the effort we put in to seeing it through.
God has a Purpose
The Bible speaks of the importance of having faith in God and trusting in His plans and His timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… He has made everything beautiful in its time… He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
No matter what our circumstances may be, God has a plan and a purpose. Through the Bible, He tells us to trust Him and to never give up. Through hard work and trusting in God, we can fulfill God’s will for our lives.
Trust in God’s Plan
The Bible teaches us to work hard, trust in God, and never give up. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
God calls us to strive to be our best and to rely on Him and His promises. He promises us that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Rely on God for Wisdom
Proverbs 2:6 says: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Let us seek advice from God when making difficult decisions and look to His word for wisdom as we work hard to accomplish our goals.
The Bible reminds us we should never put our hope in material wealth, but in God.
As we trust in God, He will provide us grace and guidance as we strive to be our best and work hard.
