12 Bible Verses About Work

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Are you looking for guidance on how to approach work from a biblical perspective? Look no further than these twelve powerful Bible verses about work.

From Proverbs to Colossians, these verses emphasize the importance of diligence, honesty, and responsibility in the workplace.

The Bible teaches that work is a way to honor God and contribute to society, and warns against laziness.

Read on to discover more about what the Bible says about work and how it can guide your approach to your career.

Bible verses about work

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about work:

1. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” – Colossians 3:23
2. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” – Proverbs 22:29
3. “The labourer is worthy of his hire.” – Luke 10:7
4. “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” – Ephesians 4:28
5. “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” – Proverbs 14:23
6. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” – 1 Timothy 5:8

7. “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” – Genesis 2:15
8. “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10
9. “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” – Psalm 90:17
10. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” – Colossians 3:17
11. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9
12. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33

What does the Bible say about work?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of work and encourages people to work diligently and honestly.

It teaches that work is a way to honor God and contribute to society.

The Bible also warns against laziness and encourages people to be responsible and productive members of their community.

Additionally, the Bible teaches that employers should treat their employees fairly and with respect, and that employees should work with integrity and loyalty.

Overall, the Bible promotes a positive and productive attitude towards work and emphasizes the importance of using one’s talents and abilities to serve God and others.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about work?

1) Genesis 1-2: These chapters describe the creation of the world and the first humans, Adam and Eve. They also describe how God gave Adam the responsibility to work and take care of the Garden of Eden. This sets the foundation for the idea that work is a God-given responsibility and a way to fulfill our purpose on earth.

2) Proverbs 6:6-11: This chapter contains the famous passage about the ant, which works hard and prepares for the future. It emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work in achieving success and avoiding poverty.

3) Ecclesiastes 3:9-13: This chapter discusses the idea that there is a time and season for everything, including work. It encourages us to find joy and satisfaction in our work and to recognize it as a gift from God.

4) Colossians 3:23-24: This chapter instructs us to work wholeheartedly as if we are working for the Lord, not just for human masters. It reminds us that our work has eternal significance and that we will be rewarded for our efforts.

5) James 2:14-26: This chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and works, and how they are interconnected. It teaches us that our faith should be demonstrated through our actions, including our work, and that our works should be motivated by our faith.

Overall, these chapters provide a comprehensive understanding of work as a God-given responsibility, a means of achieving success and fulfillment, and a way to demonstrate our faith and serve others.

Ideas and concepts related to work that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.

1. Stewardship – This concept refers to the responsible management of resources that have been entrusted to us. In the Bible, God has given us the responsibility to care for the earth and its inhabitants. This includes our work and the resources we use to do it. As stewards, we are accountable for how we use our time, talents, and resources in our work.

2. Diligence – Diligence is the quality of being persistent and hardworking. The Bible encourages us to work diligently, not just for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. Diligence is important in our work because it helps us to achieve our goals, to be productive, and to make a positive impact on the world.

3. Excellence – The Bible encourages us to do everything with excellence, including our work. Excellence means doing our best, striving for perfection, and pursuing excellence in all that we do. This includes our work, which should be done with excellence to honor God and to serve others.

4. Service – Service is the act of helping or doing something for others. In the Bible, Jesus modeled service by washing his disciples’ feet and by giving his life for the salvation of humanity. As Christians, we are called to serve others, including in our work. Our work should be done with a spirit of service, seeking to help and benefit others.

5. Rest – Rest is the act of ceasing from work or activity to refresh and renew oneself. In the Bible, God commands us to rest on the Sabbath day and to take time to rest and renew ourselves. Rest is important in our work because it helps us to avoid burnout, to maintain our health and well-being, and to be more productive and effective in our work.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.