What the Bible Says About Work
Work is part of God's original design for humanity. Even before the fall, Genesis 2:15 records that "the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it." Work is therefore a sacred calling, not a curse. The curse only made work toilsome and frustrating (Genesis 3:17-19), but in Christ work itself is redeemed for the glory of God. Colossians 3:23 lifts the believer's perspective: "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." For the Christian, work is not merely a means of survival but an act of worship when it is carried out with excellence in the name of Christ. The craftsman, the farmer, the teacher, the laborer—all glorify God through faithful labor, whatever their task may be. The Bible honors diligent work (Proverbs 12:11) and rebukes laziness (Proverbs 10:4). Ephesians 4:28 teaches: "He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need." Honest work thus becomes a Christian virtue that provides for one's own, serves the neighbor, and bears witness to the grace of God. Every honorable profession can be carried out to God's glory when it is pursued with integrity and love.
Key verse snapshot
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. ”
Bible Verses about Work
6 Scripture passages on this theme
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. ”
Exodus 35:35
“Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work. ”
Isaiah 59:6
“Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.”
Psalms 90:17
“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. ”
Romans 11:6
“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
1 Kings 7:14
“He was a widow’s son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.”
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Apply These Verses to Your Life
Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with work.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Category:
- Scripture Guidance