How can I have a good work/life balance?

from the old testament

• God created the world but then took time to rest from His work (Genesis 1:1-15), not because He was tired as He has no physical limitations that would tire Him. Rather, He set the example for us as His image-bearers.
• From the beginning, work has been within God’s design for us (Genesis 2:15). Work is beneficial when it is done with God’s purposes in mind.
• Israelite workers were not to work solely for themselves but were to be generous. Exodus 23:10-11 discusses God's instructions to not sow the land during each seventh year to replenish it, so that the poor in the community can eat of the seventh-year harvest, and so beasts of the field can eat of the land after the poor have taken their fill. The same applied to vineyards and olive orchards.
• Ultimate fulfillment will never be found through our work but through God (Psalm 127:1-5). Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
• Not making work the center of our lives doesn't mean that we should be lazy, though. In Proverbs 6:6–11, the “sluggard” is told to observe the ant's diligent work as an example.
• Proverbs 31:10-31 presents the attributes of an excellent wife—someone who works hard and builds physical strength, but also lovingly serves others and fears God. She is a great example of a good work/life balance.
• Taking pleasure in work (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13) and enjoying the fruits of our labor (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20) is fine. But living to work is vanity. God is the source from whom we get provision and enjoyment (Ecclesiastes 2:21-23).

from the new testament

• Jesus warned of focusing our lives on anything other than God: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20).
• In Christ, we find the ultimate rest: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).
• Everything we do, including our work, should be done for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

implications for today

There isn’t a specific how-to guide in the Bible for achieving a perfect work/life balance. However, we are given clear instruction on the importance of work, relationships, and rest. As beings made in the image of God, it is within His design for us to work (Genesis 2:15) and against it for us to be idle (2 Thessalonians 3:6–12; 1 Timothy 5:8). However, there is such a thing as burn-out, pushing ourselves so hard in our work that we collapse underneath the pressure. We must avoid this pitfall by following God’s example of resting from our work (Genesis 2:2). Taking time to play, physically recharge, and enjoy the good gifts God provides is not wasteful—it is wise stewardship of the bodies and lives He has entrusted to us.

Still, we must examine our motives for both work and rest, ensuring we are not driven by anxiety, greed, or a desire for approval but by trust in God’s provision and a desire to glorify Him (Matthew 6:25–34; 1 Timothy 6:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Our main purpose in this world is not to be successful at our earthly job or to rest and satisfy your desires all day but to love God and others well (Matthew 22:37-39; Hebrews 10:24-25).

A healthy work/life balance is not about equal hours but about ordered priorities—loving God first, loving others well, and faithfully stewarding our responsibilities without neglecting rest.