What Does the Bible Say About Work?

Working is a term being gradually associated with suffering or hardship. What Does the Bible Say About Work? To some people, the term ‘work’ sounds like a bad thing. Many people take to social media these days saying they will rather choose a life where they don’t have to work. Even though we just wanna ‘relax and be taken care of’, what does the bible say about work? Is it a curse, a necessary evil, or a means for God’s blessing to man?

What Does the Bible Say About Work? Let us take a look.

1. Work is God’s idea.

Against popular opinion, God gave man work as his everyday purpose before the fall of man.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. – Genesis 2:15 NIV

In verse 5 of that same chapter, we see that God hadn’t caused rain to fall and there was no man to till the ground- so man was going to till the ground. Work was prepared before man was even created. If God made man work, then work is good, or can be good.

Work was prepared before man was even created. If God made man work, then work is good, or can be good. Click To Tweet

2. God wants man to be duly rewarded for their work.

1 Timothy 5:18 AMP- “…The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].”

Lev 19:13 “…“Do not make your hired workers wait until the next day to receive their pay.”

God doesn’t want people to work for anything, He wants them to see the reward for work, which is wage- the pay. God isn’t okay with people being oppressed, or taken advantage of. (James 5:4, Leviticus 19:3).

God isn't okay with people being oppressed, or taken advantage of. '…The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].' – 1 Timothy 5:18 AMP Click To Tweet

3. Everyone who can work should work.

The bible’s stand on idleness and laziness is very clear. So much that Paul while writing in one of his letters said the person that doesn’t work must not eat.

“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).

Prov 6:6-11; 6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! 7 Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, 8 they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.
9 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? 10A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

4. See work for the blessing it is.

The blessing of work is not just the fact that you can earn a living from doing something, but that you get to do something. People are paying you because there’s a service you’re offering, there’s something your hands have found to do, and that’s a blessing.

Our ultimate goal on earth is to advance God’s kingdom, and your work affords you the opportunity to do that. It’s a blessing that you can have enough to eat, sponsor God’s agenda, give to the needy and poor, and be a blessing to those in your sphere of influence.

Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 – 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

5. God wants to be glorified in your work. Work Like God is your boss,

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23 NIV

The fruits of the Spirit of God in you should find expression, even in your work and at your workplace.

We have an example in Daniel and Joseph concerning how to represent God by working excellently. Your good works give God a good reputation because you represent Him. You are first God’s own, before anything else.

If you were working for God, how would you do it? What would your attitude be?

6. Work must never become your God.

Finally, do not allow work and the things it brings us to become your priority. God remains the focus and priority of our lives. Any work or activity that isn’t consistent with the word and will of God for your life should be avoided. There are things we shouldn’t be willing to do, even for money!

Work must never become your God. Any work or activity that isn't consistent with the word and will of God for your life should be avoided. Click To Tweet

Now that you know what the bible says about work, let us know which of these points stood out for you in the comment section. Remember to share as well.

I will recommend that you also read; Representing God in the Workplace: 4 Things To Consider