Bible Verses About Hard Work
The Bible treats work as part of a good life, not just a way to pay bills. These verses cover diligence, laziness and doing your job as if God were your boss. They apply at a desk, in a classroom or at home.
11 scriptures in modern King James wording
Colossians 3:23KJV
“And whatsoever all of you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
Proverbs 14:23KJV
“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tends only to destitution.”
Proverbs 13:4KJV
“The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
Proverbs 12:24KJV
“The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”
Proverbs 10:4KJV
“He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
Proverbs 6:6KJV
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:”
Proverbs 21:5KJV
“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to lack.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10KJV
“Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10KJV
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”
1 Corinthians 15:58KJV
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be all of you steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as all of you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Galatians 6:9KJV
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Common questions
What does the Bible say about working hard?
Colossians 3:23 says to work at everything as though you are doing it for the Lord, not for people. Proverbs 14:23 says all hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads to poverty.
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:10 mean about work?
Paul wrote it to a church where some people had stopped working and relied on others. It speaks to able people who refuse to work, not to people who cannot work. Elsewhere the Bible commands care for the poor and the vulnerable.
Related Bible verses
- Bible Verses About SuccessThe Bible defines success differently from the world.
- Bible Verses About PerseverancePerseverance means staying on the road when quitting would be easier.
- Bible Verses About MoneyJesus talked about money often, and so do Proverbs and Paul.
- Bible Verses About WisdomBiblical wisdom is the skill of living well, and it starts with respect for God.
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