Hard work is an admirable trait that pays off. Bible verses about hard work paying off are scattered throughout the Bible, with Proverbs 14:23-33 being one of the most prevalent passages.
What does the Bible say about paying workers?
Some Bible passages suggest that employers should pay their employees generously and on time, while others state that wages should be proportional to what a worker has produced.
We all know the Bible says that hard work pays off. Proverbs 14:23-33 talks about how those who use their wisdom and skills to provide for themselves will end up with a life full of joy.
It also shares that those who don’t work as hard will suffer because they have nothing to show for it. The Bible has many sayings on wealth and riches but one thing remains true no matter what Bible verse you read – Hard Work Pays Off!
Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes we work hard and it seems like nothing is working out for us. We may feel like we’re just spinning our wheels and not getting anywhere, but that’s where Bible verses about hard work paying off can help.
Bible verses about hard work paying off.
The Bible also has a lot to say on what employers should do with their workers. Let’s take a look at some Bible verses about hard work paying off so you can be encouraged in your daily life as well as your career!
-
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 – Hard work helps you earn a living.
Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat. Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their living. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NLT)
In as much as we know that God will provide for our needs, we must understand that God expects us to work hard. He has commanded us to work hard so we can have food for ourselves and others.
From the verse above, Paul says that anyone who is not willing to work should not be given food to eat. You must work if you want to eat. Do not expect anyone to work for you to eat.
-
Colossians 3:23-24 – There is a reward in hard work.
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 (NIV)
There is a reward for every hard work. Anyone who puts his hands to work hard will always receive something tangible for his labor. Reward only comes when you carry out your work diligently and wholeheartedly.
Though you work for men, you should understand that it is God who placed you there and you must work hard to receive your reward.
-
Proverbs 14:23 – Hard work brings massive profit.
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23 (NIV)
Wishing and not working hard will only lead to poverty. The verse above clearly states that all hard work will not just bring profit, but massive profit.
As believers we must understand that speaking, declaring or prophecy will not produce any tangible effect on our lives, you will get nothing until you work hard. It is profitable to work hard in whatever you do.
-
Proverbs 21:25 – Without hard work death is inevitable
The desire of the lazy one puts him to death, for his hands refuse to work. Proverbs 21:25 (NASB)
Anyone who refuses to work has already planned his death. This is not just physical death but also spiritual, mental, marital, and financial. If you do not work hard, what will you use to keep yourself going?
If things must work out in your life, business, marriage, academic, etc then you must work hard for it.
God desires that will put our hands down and work hard, so we can do the needful here on earth. God has a role in blessing the works of your hands, but you must work diligently with what he has given to us.
If you desire to live a better life without working hard for it, then you are planning to commit evil that will lead to your death.
-
Proverbs 12:11- Abundance comes from hard work.
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. Proverbs 12:11(NIV)
Living and enjoying abundance is possible for those who are willing to work hard. God is faithful to bless his children who are doing their best to succeed.
If you choose to chase fantasies, then you have no sense of what you are doing. Fantasies only produce intangible things that will not last and will fade off easily.
Desiring abundance is good but working hard is the key to achieving that.
-
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – Work hard in whatever you do.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)
Personally, this is a scripture I love so much, it says whatever your hands find to do; this means regardless of the field you find yourself or the job or trade you do, do it with all your strength.
Here on earth, God expects us to work diligently with whatever he has placed in our hands. You do not need to only work hard in a professional skill or job, if you must get a tangible result in that little thing you are doing, then you must work hard to achieve it.
The Bible never says he that finds a good job or if you have the exceptional or high-income skill, but rather it says whatever your hands find to do. Our success in life does necessarily come from doing big or great things but doing small things in great ways.
-
2 Timothy 2:6-7 – Hard work pays you first.
And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Timothy 2:6-7 (NLT)
A hard-working man receives his reward of labor first before anyone else. You will be the first to enjoy the reward of your labor before anyone else
-
Proverbs 10:4-5 – Hard work brings wealth.
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Proverbs 10:4-5 (NIV)
Laziness will always equate to poverty. This poverty is not only seen in terms of finance but in all others, areas such as spiritual, physical, mental, etc. laziness are dangerous because the ugly results it brings are always inevitable.
As a believer, we must understand that poverty is a deficiency of the mindset. A person can have a little and incredible increase to wealth, yet another can also have plenty, yet by slack hands lose everything.
Wealth will only come to those who are diligent in their works. Diligence involves extreme preparation and hard work. You can’t succeed in any endeavor with quality preparation and hard work. Hard work pays off and brings wealth.
-
Proverbs 13:4 – Prosperity is a by-product of hard work.
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Proverbs 13:4 (NLT)
A lazy person wants so much to come to him without doing any work. They are always wishing for something spectacular. They are envious of others who are working diligently to succeed.
The scripture clearly emphasis that only those who work hard will prosper. Working hard will never kill you; it will only stretch you for a while because the end of hard-working is always prosperity.
Prosperity is a by-product of hard work that why God wants us to work hard so we can prosper on earth.
-
Proverbs 20:13 – Hard work crushes sleep.
Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. Proverbs 20:13 (NKJV)
This is not just a statement but a command given to every follower of Christ. Sleep in this context talks about being lazy and insensitive to opportunities. The Bible has strictly warned us against laziness because it is the path to poverty
You cannot be asleep and expect to dwell in abundance. We will have enough and to spare when we work hard because hard work pays off.
One of the simplest keys to success is to avoid unnecessary sleep. Of course, you need sleep, but you need to avoid wasting so much time in bed. Sleep excessively will have a tremendous effect on your all-around growth and success. Great men sleep for only a few hours each day and that is why they became great.
If you desire to be successful and make an exploit then you must avoid wasting time in bed.
-
1 Corinthians 4:12 – We bless others when working hard.
We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 1 Corinthians 4:12 (NLT)
Hard work makes us have what it takes to bless other people. The believers were obliged to labor to supply themselves with the necessities of life while preaching the gospel to others.
-
Psalm 90:17 – God will establish the works of our hands.
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 (NKJV)
Those who are ready to work with their hands will be established. Hardworking pays because God is solidly by our side to bless the work of our hands.
-
Proverbs 12:24 – Hardworking men rule the world.
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. Proverbs 12:24 (NIV)
Hard work will always pay off! A diligent man will always rule over others. He will be at the top while a lazy fellow with always be at the bottom and forced to act out of his will.
Diligence, which is hard work, does not necessarily require ability, intelligence, education, or skill. It only requires focused attention, maximum effort, patience, and persistence.
-
Proverbs 22:29 – Hard work makes you stand before kings.
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 (NIV)
Hard work pays! A well-skilled and hardworking will always be elevated to stand and sit before kings. He will be promoted above average and inferior men to associate with wealthy and influencer men.
There is no question whether hard work will make you successful or not. God’s word is settled already, that any man well skilled and diligent in his work cannot be small.
Hard work will always place you above all your contemporaries.
-
Ephesians 4:28 – Hard work helps you give others
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)
Through our work, we also earn sufficient resources to cater to both ourselves and the needy. We don’t just work hard for ourselves but for the sake of others, who are of the household of faith.
Ten Biblical benefits of hard work as a believer
- Hard work helps to provide for our self, our family, and the people around us.
- Hard work helps us not to be lazy and useless.
- God blesses us through our hard work, not laziness.
- Working hard keeps us active and productive.
- Hard work results in personal development.
- We gain reputation and reliance on hard work.
- Society will look up to us.
- Build confidence and establish credibility before others.
- Achievement of plans and goals is guaranteed.
- There is no success without hard work.
