Author’s Note: Interested readers can find all previous volumes of this series here. News Flash: The first 56 volumes are compiled into a book titled “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read the Bible.” More details at the end. Now back to our regular programming.
Thanks for joining us this Labor Day weekend as we study what Scripture says about work. Let’s begin at the beginning with the Creation story — the first time “work” is mentioned in the Bible:
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done” (Genesis 2:2-3).
In the process of “creating,” God created work which had to be “very good” as was all of His creation:
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day” (Genesis 1:31).
Harvest work prompted the Lord to establish guidelines that could be considered social policy and wealth redistribution.
“‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the LORD your God’”(Leviticus 23:22). (No one would dare contest that statement.)
The concept of working to plant and raise crops then leaving some behind for the poor was commanded by God. In the following verse, God again instructs us to give to the poor and offers givers a generous, all-encompassing work benefit:
“‘Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to’” (Deuteronomy 15:10).
The Lord also commanded employers to establish humane work practices:
“‘Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns’” (Deuteronomy 24:14).
Psalm 90 asks that God favorably intervene in our career paths:
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17).
Proverb 16 recommends that the Lord be your work partner:
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
Proverbs also tout the advantage of acquiring work skills:
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank” (Proverbs 22-29).
We learn that God favors a work-life balance:
“‘A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God’” (Ecclesiastes 2:24).
The Bible even offers a wealth management strategy:
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” (Proverbs 13:11). But the NIV translation below offers a different meaning about growing an honest income stream:
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow” (Proverbs 13:11 NIV). These same verses are good examples of why readers should explore various Bible translations.
In the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gave comfort to hard workers:
“‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’” (Matthew 11:28). (Note: This teaching has a broader interpretation than just rest from work.)
Paul, speaking as an Apostle of Christ to his brothers in Christ, gave a pep talk that defines task perseverance under extreme conditions:
“‘We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment’” (1 Corinthians 4:12-13). (And you thought your job was tough!)
Paul’s writing lays down the law about work:
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat’” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Paul suggests that we should think about work from a more heavenly perspective:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).
Paul offers another strong opinion about those who are work challenged:
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
We learned today that the Word of God is also a “work management” book. Teachings cover the justification, joy, and reasons why work is essential. Work should please the Lord, and you should work for the Lord. Seek a sought-after skill, and some of what you earn must be given to the poor.
Our final study passage is a timeless sentiment for Labor Day and every day:
“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:1-2).
“Fruit of my labor” is “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible,” reprinting the first 56 volumes of this study. The publication date is Sept. 27, with pre-sales now available at Amazon. Would you please pray that the book will reach those who need to read the Bible? (Also the reason for this study.)
Myra Kahn Adams is a media producer and conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. She is also Executive Director of SignFromGod.org, a ministry dedicated to Shroud of Turin education. On Oct. 9, the Museum of the Bible hosts a Shroud speaker’s event that includes SignFromGod board members. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com or Twitter @MyraKAdams.