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13 Bible Verses About Work (KJV)

Whatever you do for a living, Scripture gives it dignity and purpose. Here is what the Bible says about work.

What the Bible says about work

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
Colossians 3:23
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings.”
Proverbs 22:29
“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
“And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us.”
Psalm 90:17
“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

God placed man in the garden to tend and keep it, showing work was part of good creation from the start.

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.”
Proverbs 14:23

In all honest labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.”
Proverbs 12:11

The one who works the land will have plenty, while chasing empty pursuits leaves us wanting.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10

We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works he prepared for us to walk in.

“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”
Nehemiah 4:6

The people rebuilt the wall because they had a mind to work, a picture of wholehearted labor.

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:”
Proverbs 6:6

The ant, storing in summer without a ruler, teaches diligence and foresight in our work.

“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;”
1 Thessalonians 4:11

We are urged to work quietly with our own hands and lead a peaceable, honest life.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9

We are not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not faint.

All honest work is worship when it is done heartily for the Lord. Bring Him into your Monday, not just your Sunday.

How these verses point to Christ

Work is a gift from God, given before sin ever entered the world, and meant to reflect his own creativity and care. Jesus labored as a carpenter and then finished the greatest work of all at the cross, declaring it done. Because he has secured our salvation, our work is no longer a way to earn worth but an offering of love. In Christ, even ordinary labor becomes worship and service to him.

Take this to heart, and to God

Read it in the app, ask for prayer, and see how Christ has met others here.

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People also ask

What does the Bible say about work?
Scripture calls us to work heartily as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23), with diligence (Proverbs 22:29) and excellence (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
How should Christians view their jobs?
As a place to serve God and others, doing all work heartily for the Lord and reflecting Him through excellence and integrity (Colossians 3:23).
Is there a Bible verse about hard work?
Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 22:29, and Ecclesiastes 9:10 are beloved verses about work and diligence.
More ScriptureVerses about truthVerses about God's faithfulnessVerses about purityVerses about confidenceVerses about relationshipsVerses about the crossVerses about discipline and self-controlVerses about God's plan for your lifeVerses about encouragementVerses about God's loveVerses about identity in ChristVerses about eternal lifeVerses by what you are facing
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