21 Bible Verses About Work

Work is a part of our daily lives, and the Bible provides guidance and encouragement on how to approach it. Whether you’re seeking motivation, purpose, or a reminder to honor God in your tasks, these Bible verses about work offer practical wisdom. They help us view our work as meaningful, reminding us to be diligent, committed, and to do everything with a heart of service to God and others.

1. Colossians 3:23

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Colossians 3:23
Colossians 3:23

Work should be done wholeheartedly and with excellence, as if working for God, not just for human employers.

2. Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Proverbs 16:3
Proverbs 16:3

When we dedicate our work to God, He will guide and establish our plans and actions.

3. 1 Corinthians 10:31

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31
1 Corinthians 10:31

Work, like every action, should honor God and bring glory to Him, giving a spiritual purpose to every task.

4. Proverbs 14:23

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

Proverbs 14:23
Proverbs 14:23

Hard work leads to tangible rewards, while laziness or just talking without action leads to lack.

5. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

“The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10
2 Thessalonians 3:10

Paul emphasizes the importance of being diligent and contributing through work, warning against idleness.

6. Proverbs 12:11

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”

Proverbs 12:11
Proverbs 12:11

Working diligently leads to provision and stability, while chasing empty pursuits lacks sense.

7. Genesis 2:15

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Genesis 2:15
Genesis 2:15

Work was part of God’s original design for humanity, demonstrating that it is meaningful and valuable.

8. Ephesians 4:28

“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands.”

Ephesians 4:28
Ephesians 4:28

Work is presented as a means of contributing to society and being able to help those in need.

9. Proverbs 6:6-8

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander… yet it stores its provisions.”

 Proverbs 6:6-8
Proverbs 6:6-8

The ant’s diligence is a model for industriousness and foresight, encouraging proactive work and planning.

10. Psalm 90:17

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us.”

Psalm 90:17
Psalm 90:17

A prayer for God’s blessing over the work we do, seeking His favor and success in our endeavors.

11. 1 Timothy 5:8

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives… has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

1 Timothy 5:8
1 Timothy 5:8

Providing for one’s family through work is an important duty and reflects genuine faith in God.

12. Proverbs 21:5

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 21:5

Careful planning and diligence in work lead to success, while impulsive or hasty actions often lead to failure.

13. Proverbs 22:29

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings.”

Proverbs 22:29
Proverbs 22:29

Excellence and skill in work open doors to greater opportunities and recognition.

14. 1 Corinthians 15:58

“Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:58
1 Corinthians 15:58

Work done for God’s kingdom has eternal significance and will never be in vain.

15. Proverbs 10:4

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

Proverbs 10:4
Proverbs 10:4

Diligence and hard work lead to prosperity, while laziness results in lack.

16. Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Colossians 3:17
Colossians 3:17

All aspects of work and life should be done in a way that honors Christ, making it purposeful.

17. Hebrews 6:10 

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown.”

Hebrews 6:10 
Hebrews 6:10 

God sees and remembers our work, especially when it is done with love and in service to others.

18. Proverbs 18:9

“One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”

Proverbs 18:9
Proverbs 18:9

Being lazy or neglectful in work is destructive, leading to negative consequences and missed opportunities.

19. Proverbs 24:27

“Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”

Proverbs 24:27
Proverbs 24:27

Prioritizing work properly and preparing for the future leads to stable and successful outcomes.

20. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands.”

1 Thessalonians 4:11
1 Thessalonians 4:11

Living a simple, honest life that focuses on working diligently and minding one’s own affairs is encouraged.

21. James 1:25

“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom… will be blessed in what they do.”

James 1:25
James 1:25

Diligent study and obedience to God’s Word lead to blessings and success in one’s work.

Prayer for Someone Navigating Their Work

Dear Heavenly Father,

I lift up [Name] and the work they do each day. Your Word in Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” I pray that [Name] will commit their work to You, trusting in Your guidance and wisdom.

Bless their efforts, grant them patience and strength, and may their work bring fulfillment and joy. Help them to find purpose in what they do, knowing that their labor is not in vain when it’s done for You.

In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.

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