Labor Day thoughts: Work

Some Scriptures about work:

The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor.  Proverbs 12:24

In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

A worker’s appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on.  Proverbs 16:26

He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.  Proverbs 28:19

There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.  Ecclesiastes 2:24

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.  Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.  Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

…and to 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… 1 Thessalonians 4:11

For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.  2 Thessalonians 3:10   [NOTE: For those who are out of work, your job search or the time you put into starting a business is your work. If not enough income is coming in, however, you may need to take a job below your qualifications for a season.]

A word to employers:

Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. James 5:4  [NOTE: You may not run a business, but you likely hire people to work for you. Does someone mow your lawn? Do you have someone come in periodically to clean house? Have you ever hired friends or acquaintances to do repair work around your home? Then you are an employer and those people are your laborers. Don’t seek to withhold blessings—a fair wage—for the work they do for you. If you don’t pay them fairly, their wages will cry out to God against you. That’s serious stuff.]

For those of you with the day off, enjoy! If you have to go to work today, praise God for the opportunity to make a living. And if you’re looking for work, may God shine light on your path and direct all your ways.

Dorothy