In Eccl. 3:9 it asks the question, " What does one really get from hard work?" (TLB) Solomon asked this question expecting the same answer as before, that it is futile. However, there is an answer in Prov. 14:23-24 " hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly." (NIV) But, there is more than just profit from hard work.
We work out of necessity. Prov. 12:11 it says, " hard work means prosperity; only a fool idles away his time." (TLB) Prov. 16:26 also tells us, " The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on." (NIV) Which is probably why it says " If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." in 2 Thess 3:10-11 (ESV). We must work to provide for our family, it is strongly encouraged in 1 Tim. 5:8 where it says, " Whoever does not care for his own relatives, especially his own family members, has turned against the faith and is worse than someone who does not believe in God." (NCV)
We work to succeed financially. There is a lot about this in Proverbs. Prov. 13:4 says, " Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper."(NLT) Prov. 13:11 also warns us, " Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time." (NLT) This means that we should be saving as much as we can, instead of spending it, and be willing to work hard for what we make. There are no shortcuts. It is important to find honest work, tithe regularly, save faithfully, spend wisely, and share from our wealth generously.
Our work expresses the identity God gave us. When we are doing that well, we can get great satisfaction out of our work. (Gal. 6:4) Prov 12:14 tells us, " hard work brings rewards" (NLT) Those rewards are not just monetary. Prov. 12:27 warns us that living a lazy life will make it an empty one without a sense of purpose. When we do what God made us to do, we will rise early and eagerly go to work.
Work helps to develop our character and matures us as adults. " Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God." (Col 1:10 TEV) You can't compartmentalize your work life from the rest of your life. We are servants of Christ and that should be reflected in everything we do. If we choose to do what God made us to do, then we can more effectively live our purpose through our work. In the process we will grow more Christ like in our work.
Working is a witness to others, it gives us credibility. 1 Thess. 4:11-12 instructs us, " make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." (NASU) Instead of preaching to others, they can see our work. Jesus said, " In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:16 NIV)
We want to make lots of money because then we can be more generous. Eph 4:28 says, " 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." (NASU) When God blesses us with financial success, He wants us to use it for His purposes, as Jesus says " From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." (Luke 12:48 NASU)
Work also prepares us for heaven, to live in eternity. " Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." (1 Cor 9:25-26 NASU) We need to learn to be trusted to with much and that our work survives the test of fire. (Luke 16:10-12 and 1 Cor. 3:11-15)
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Jim is a personal financial leading authority and author, an ordained minister, and an independent music artist. He has a Bachelor of Business in Finance, and a Masters of Religious Studies, graduating with honors. Jim has built multiple businesses since 1990, one of which was a computer training staffing company that grew to $6 million in annual sales with 21 employees and a nationwide customer base and competed as one of the top two firms in its market niche. He now owns his own independent record label and publishing company, which he operates completely debt free and owns the website www.howtolivedebtfreebook.com
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