What Does The Bible Say About Work?
The Bible has long been a source of spiritual and moral guidance, spanning centuries and even millennia in various cultures and countries. With regard to work, its teachings have shaped our views on labor and work-related ethics and values in the modern world. This article will seek to explore what the Bible has to say about work and provide relevant data and perspectives from experts, as well as insights and analysis of the text.
The Bible speaks to us in many contexts, and not just in spiritual matters. For example, in the book of Proverbs, we are instructed to “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provided her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8). This passage is an admonition of the importance of hard work, and the wisdom that comes with it.
The Bible also has a lot to say about the relationship between our own works and our relationship with God. In Matthew 5:16 we read, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” From this passage, we can see that good works are not only a requirement, but can be pleasing to God.
The Bible, of course, does not only speak about work in terms of spiritual matters, but also about justice in the workplace. For example, in Deuteronomy and Exodus it is written “Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: at his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee” (Deuteronomy 24:14-15). This passage shows that the Bible is concerned with justice in the workplace and protecting the rights of employees.
The Bible also has much to say about appropriate work behavior, and the promotion of values such as patience and diligence. For example, Proverbs 14:23 tells us “In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” This suggests that if we are diligent in our work, we will be rewarded, whereas idle talk will only lead to poverty.
In addition, the Bible speaks about the importance of setting boundaries in our work and balancing our work lives with our family lives. For example, in Exodus 20:9-11, it says “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.” This passage assigns specific days of the week to be spent with family instead of dedicating your time solely to work-related tasks.
The Value Of Hard Work
The Bible has a lot to say on the importance of hard work and diligence. For example, in Proverbs 14:23 we read “In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury”. This suggests that we should strive to work hard and avoid wasteful idle talk if we wish to succeed.
Similarly, Proverbs 12:24 tells us “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute”. This suggests that hard work and diligence will lead to success, whereas slothfulness leads to ruin.
In addition, Proverbs 13:11 says “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase”. This passage speaks to the importance of work and the rewards of doing honest labor.
We can also see the value of hard work in the book of Ecclesiastes, where it states “A man toils with all the strength of his body and heart, because the day of his death is known; but the wise man puts his soul into his work” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). This passage emphasizes the importance of working with purpose, as it speaks to the idea that each day is precious as it could be our last.
Further, Proverbs 22:29 instructs us to “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”. This speaks to the rewards that come with hard work, namely, success and recognition.
Importance of Honesty In The Workplace
The Bible has a lot to say on the importance of honesty in our workplaces. In Proverbs 12:22 it states “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight”. This suggests that honesty is essential to uphold in the workplace, as dishonesty will not be rewarded by God.
Further, Colossians 3:9 says “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds”. This verse admonishes us to stop lying in the workplace and to instead be honest and truthful.
We can also see the importance of honesty in the workplace in Proverbs 10:9, which states “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known”. This passage suggests that although it widely acknowledged that dishonesty can lead to temporary gain, honesty and integrity in the workplace is likely to bring long-term success.
In addition, Proverbs 20:17 tells us “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel”. This speaks to the temporary satisfaction dishonesty can bring, but the everlasting consequences of the same.
Finally, Proverbs 16:13 states “Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right”. This verse stresses the importance of speaking truthfully and with integrity, even when speaking to people of higher authority, as it is pleasing to God and other figures of power.
The Relationship Between Work and Money
The Bible has a lot to say about the relationship between work and money. For example, in Proverbs 22:29 it states “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”. This suggests that hard work and diligence will be rewarded in the form of respect and you will be seen as an upstanding person.
In addition, in Proverbs 28:19 it states “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough”. This passage suggests that if you are hard-working and diligent in your chosen profession, you shall be rewarded with plenty, whereas if you spend your time and energy on unworthy pursuits, you will have plenty of poverty.
Further, the book of Proverbs also speaks on the importance of developing good financial habits. Proverbs 21:5 states “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want”. This speaks to the importance of being thoughtful and taking our time when making financial decisions, as this will lead to plenty in the long run.
Finally, Proverbs 23:4-5 says “Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom… Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings”. This passage reminds us that we should not strive for wealth and that fortune often comes from unforeseen sources.
Reaping What We Sow
The Bible also speaks about the consequences of our work-related decisions. In Galatians 6:7-8 it states “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting”. This passage suggests that we will receive what we put into our work—whether it be good or bad—and the spiritual rewards will far outweigh any monetary ones.
In addition, in Proverbs 24:27 it tells us “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house”. This passage speaks to the importance of planning and preparation, as we should make sure our work is done right the first time, and not have to go back and fix our mistakes.
Further, Ecclesiastes 11:3 advises us to “If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be”. This verse speaks to the idea that our decisions have consequences and that we should be mindful of the actions we take and the decisions we make.
Finally, Colossians 3:24-25 says “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons”. This verse speaks to the fairness of god and to the idea that we will all be held responsible for our action and will reap what we sow.
Honoring the Sabbath
The Bible also speaks on the importance of taking a day of rest. In Exodus 20:8-11 it states “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates”. This passage advises us to take a break from our work, on one day of the week, and to spend time with our families and holy rest.
Proverbs 31:16-17, further reinforces this. It states “She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms”. These verses suggest that although we should be diligent in our work, we need to set aside one day of the week to take a break from our labor and rest.
We can also see this concept in Proverbs 6:6-8, which states “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest”. This passage speaks to the importance of taking breaks, as even ants are advised to take breaks in the summer.
Finally, in Isaiah 58:13-14 we read “If thou turn
