What does the Bible teach about work?

Quick answer

Work at its core is good, but toil is a result of the fall of man. While we need to work, we must not do it for the approval of men or to try to earn God’s favor but, rather, to serve God.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God created work, although His original design included stewardship but not significant toil (Genesis 2:8, 15). Work is often good, but we must avoid making an idol out of it (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11). On the other hand, the Bible condemns laziness (Proverbs 6:6-11; 13:4; 18:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12). Additionally, we have a responsibility to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8) as long as they are within our care. Even generosity toward the poor doesn’t exclude them from working ; under Mosaic Law, God put in place a system for providing for the poor that still required them to work for their food (Leviticus 19:10; 23:22). Additionally, God has “good works” in store for all of His children (Ephesians 2:10), and we are told that the main purpose of all our work should be for the Lord, not men: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

When humans disobeyed God and introduced sin into the world, one of the curses included toil. However, God had placed Adam into the garden to care for it—to tend it—before the Fall (Genesis 2:15). Having dominion over the earth was tarnished and was turned into a toilsome duty because of sin.

In regards to unemployment, welfare in the Bible is closely tied to work (Leviticus 19:10; 23:22).

The Bible condemns laziness (Proverbs 6:6–11; 13:4; 18:9). We should do well to work unto the Lord.

We should avoid putting too much emphasis on work, even good work, so that it becomes it an idol in our life (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11). Work or the material possessions it provides should never take away from our dependance and worship of God.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Our "work" is not always employment that results in a paycheck. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that God has prepared good works in advance for His children.

We do not work to gain God's favor and certainly do not work to gain man’s favor. We work because it is part of God’s good design for us (Colossians 3:23-24).

When Paul wrote the church in Thessalonica, he said those who were living in idleness should not have fellowship with the church and that people who were unwilling to work shouldn’t get to eat (2 Thessalonians 3:6–12). Scripture encourages us to help those in need. Often this means providing them with work, which helps not only meet the physical need, but provides a sense of dignity and purpose.

First Timothy 5:8 indicates that to purposefully neglect our family’s needs is unacceptable: "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."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

As humans created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-31), we are to follow in His footsteps and work just like He worked. God’s work was creation (Genesis 2:1–3), which lasted six days and on the seventh day, He rested. We are created in God's image, with characteristics like His (Genesis 1:26-31). Although sullied by sin, work can still be and often is a good thing. In fact, God tells us that work is His gift and that we will be blessed through it (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; 5:18–20; Proverbs 14:23). We are even promised that He will someday restore it to its rightful place in our lives, unencumbered by sin (Isaiah 65:23; Revelation 15:1–4; 22:3). Although work is good, our worth should not be placed in it but rather in Jesus Christ. We should guard against laziness, though. God created humans with a rhythm of work and rest—too much of either has negative results.

UNDERSTAND

Work was part of God’s plan for humankind, but it became difficult toil after Adam and Eve sinned.

The Bible condemns making an idol out of work, but it also condemns laziness.

All of our work should be done as if working for the Lord.

REFLECT

How do you balance your work and rest times?

In what ways do you glorify God by the work you do?

How do you incorporate the Bible’s principle of providing those whom you help with the dignity of work?

ENGAGE

In what way can a biblical work ethic be a testimony about Christ?

What biblical principles should be incorporated into charitable activities?

How can the biblical worldview figure into societal debates about governmental welfare policies?