Being Diligent: 35 Bible Verses about Working Hard — Bible Lyfe (2023)

In the Bible, we are presented with numerous examples of characters who exhibited an extraordinary work ethic, ultimately rewarded with divine favor. Among these, Noah's story shines brightly as an example of persistent, unyielding effort.

Noah was tasked with a job that seemed impossible. He was to build an ark of gopher wood, a feat that required not only physical strength but also immense spiritual fortitude and trust in God's promise. It was a task that took decades to complete. Noah worked diligently, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to God's command, despite the mockery of those around him. His dedication teaches us a powerful lesson about the importance of hard work, faithfulness, and patience.

With Noah's diligence as our guiding example, let's dive into these beautiful verses that reinforce the Bible's teachings about hard work.

The Responsibility of Work

Proverbs 28:19

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

Ephesians 4:28

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

2 Thessalonians 3:13

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

2 Thessalonians 3:8

Nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

1 Timothy 4:10-12

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

1 Timothy 5:8

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Titus 3:14

And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

The Value of Diligence

Proverbs 10:4

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Proverbs 12:11

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

Proverbs 12:24

The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 13:4

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 14:23

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

Proverbs 21:25

The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Work as Worship

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

The Blessing of Hard Work

Deuteronomy 15:10

You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.

Deuteronomy 28:12

The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

Psalm 128:2

You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Proverbs 10:22

The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 13:11

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Proverbs 14:14

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.

Proverbs 22:29

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Jeremiah 17:8

For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.

Matthew 25:21

His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

2 Timothy 2:6

It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

God’s Provision for Work

Genesis 2:15

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Psalm 90:17

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Acts 20:35

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Conclusion

The Bible encourages us to view hard work not just as a means to an end, but as an act of worship and a way of participating in God's creative work in the world. It emphasizes the responsibility, the importance, and the blessing of hard work. These scriptures help us appreciate the spiritual and practical benefits of diligence, dedication, and labor.

As we navigate through the challenges and opportunities in our work lives, we can draw strength and inspiration from these verses. Whether we're looking for motivation to persist, wisdom to balance our responsibilities, or reassurance about the potential fruits of our efforts, these passages remind us that our labor is meaningful and valuable in God's sight.

A Prayer for Hard Work

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of work, a means not only to meet our needs but also to contribute to the world You've entrusted to us.

We ask for new opportunities to work. Open doors for us in places where You would have us serve. Allow us to work in fields where our talents can shine and where our efforts can bear the most fruit.

We also pray for strength, knowing that the path of diligence can sometimes be difficult and demanding. When we feel weak or overwhelmed, remind us of Your unending grace and power. Help us to trust that in You, so we can find the endurance and resilience we need to press forward.

And as we engage in our work, cultivate in us a spirit of diligence. Help us to be faithful in small things, knowing that diligence in little tasks paves the way for greater responsibilities and rewards.

May our work always glorify You, reflecting not just our efforts but Your inspiration, Your wisdom, and Your love. Help us to remember that the ultimate reward of hard work is not success as the world sees it, but the joy of serving You and fulfilling the purpose You've set for us.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.