What does The Bible say about working?

Answer 1

One thought:

In The Bible:

-God (Genesis 2:2)(Psalm 19:1),& Jesus, are both workers (John 5:17)(John 4:34)

-The Apostle Paul worked hard not to put a burden on the congregations he served (Acts 18:3)(Acts 20:34)(2 Thessalonians 3:8)

-Work is a gift from God (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13+22)and one that can bring great joy(Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).

-We were created to work and 'the worker is worthy of his wage'(Luke 10:7) (Proverbs 20:4)(Romans 12:11)(1 Timothy5:8)(1Thessalonians 4:11)

-We must work to care for our needs (2 Thessalonians 3:10+12)(Proverbs 10:4)(Proverbs 13:4)(Proverbs 18:9) and the needs of our family (1 Timothy 5:8)

-We should ALL work hard so we can have enough to share with others (Ephesians 4:28)(Proverbs 13:4)

-No matter what we're doing, we should do our best, working to please God , not men (Colossian 3:23)

-Martha was commended for her hard work, but was also reminded by Jesus that she must be mindful of priorities. Work should not come FIRST in our lives, but rather the worship of God and following HIS directives.(Luke 10:38-42)(Matthew 6:33)(John 6:27)

Answer 2

A great question which has many confusing and different answers. First, let's begin by simply stating that God will never be persuaded to give us eternal life based upon our own 'righteousness or good works.' I would suggest reading Isaiah 64:6 to confirm the above and then read Romans 3:23 where Paul reminds us "for we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

Some think that if they truly fulfill the 'letter of the Law' that they will inherit eternal life. Paul reminded us of this in Romans 3:20, "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." Paul, at one time though he was the man of God:

Philippians 3:3-6New International Version (NIV) 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh- 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

Paul thought he was walking perfection when it came to God's Law - righteous in every respect - until his eyes were 'closed' by Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-4) in order to truly let him see the Truth and to know Jesus. Thus began his salvation process and soon his works for God would begin.

Throughout the ages, many have made the mistake of pitting 'faith against works." The Apostle James too spoke to this in James 2:18 as did Paul in Ephesians 2. But in the final analysis, it is God's gift to mankind via His Holy Spirit which King David knew of (see Psalm 51:1). Works are vital in our lifetimes as they are from God above working through us:

Ephesians 2:8-10New International Version (NIV) 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Answer 3

The Bible encourages hard work and diligence, emphasizing the importance of working to provide for oneself and others. In Colossians 3:23-24, it states, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Furthermore, Proverbs 14:23 mentions how hard work leads to profit, but mere talk leads to poverty.