21 Bible Verses about Working Hard for God, for Others and for Yourself
Bible Verses about Working Hard
It doesn’t matter whether we are eating or drinking, working or playing, the important thing is that we include God in our actions. Whatever our hands find to do, let’s do it with all our might so that God in all things may be glorified.
Table of Contents
- Bible Verses about Working Hard
- Bible Verses about Working Hard for the Lord
- Bible verses about working hard for others
- Bible verses about working hard and perseverance
- Proverbs 12:11
- Proverbs 14:23
- 1 Corinthians 4:12-13
- Proverbs 22:29
- 2 Timothy 4:7
- Galatians 6:9
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10
- Bible verses about working hard in sports
- Bible verses about working hard in school
Bible Verses about Working Hard for the Lord
1. Colossians 3:23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. ”
This instruction from Paul is that whatever we do, we should do it for the glory of God; our “heavenly boss”. Whether that’s service to the church or service to the community, we should do it “heartily” so that we may walk before Him. And be the light knowing that there is an inheritance that awaits us courtesy of the Lord.
2. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 “For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.”
As a tent-maker, Paul was no stranger to hard labor. He had to work day and night so that he wasn’t a burden to anyone. He also shared with us that he and his brethren not only labored night and day for their livelihood, but they devoted time to share the gospel of God.
The Bible commands and encourages us to work hard so we can support ourselves and our families. We should also ensure that we devote time to do God’s work.
3. Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
If we want the highest quality outcome, doing things mediocre is not going to cut it. Whatever we are doing, especially for the Lord, strive to be excellent at it while we are under the sun because when we die, there is no more “one last chance”.
So while we have the opportunity, not tomorrow, but today, let’s give it our best, and remember there is no wisdom, knowledge, or repentance in the grave.
4. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”
This verse is instructing us that whatever assignment we have or actions we take, we should commit them to God. When we devote our lives to God, we will receive the instructions we need so our path can be made clear.
And knowing God is in the driver’s seat, will also put our minds at ease so that we can carry out our work effectively and efficiently.
5. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
This verse is an encouragement to all Believers that we should be steadfast while fulfilling our God-given purposes. Remaining faithful, leading quiet lives, and trusting Him even when our back is against the wall. And know this, your hard work will not go fruitless. You got this!
Bible verses about working hard for others
A “servant at heart” is seen throughout the Bible in many different ways. And what this means is having a heart to not only satisfy our needs but also to serve others, as Jesus himself epitomized.
So as workers of God, continue to let your light shine before men so they can see your good work, and come to Christ. (Matthew 5:16)
6. Ephesians 4:28 “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”
In Paul’s example of a thief, he was not only referring to someone who steals physical objects, but he also meant a person who works dishonestly or slothfully. When we decide to take up the cross and follow Christ, it requires a changed heart.
It also means we have to work diligently and honestly for the things we want in life. And that will not only benefit our well-being, but it might even help to put food on the table of those in need as well.
7. Hebrew 6:10 “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
The message portrayed here is that God will not forget the work we have done in His name. Whether our work is in church or outside the church, as long as we do it for Him, it will not go unnoticed. It could even be as small as offering a cup of water to a stranger, or a short encouragement to someone struggling. As long as we do it the right way, God’s way, it will not go unrewarded.
8. Act 20:35 “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
The gift of giving is taught many times throughout the Bible. Jesus said there is more blessing in giving than receiving. And this doesn’t just mean giving money, it can also mean, giving your time or your service. There are so many people in need, there are so many unbelievers lost.
The work that we are earnestly doing shouldn’t be just for ourselves but to help others as well. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), and the good deeds you do today, will come right back around to you.
Bible verses about working hard and perseverance
Remember the story of the turquoise and the hare? The moral of that story is that slow and steady wins the race, and the journey may not be easy but by the grace of God, you will make it. And the Bible encourages us that when we are going through hell, don’t stop.
9. Proverbs 12:11 “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.”
A wise man who has a solid work ethic will always reap the reward of his labor. However, those who seek “get rich schemes” or those who work only to squander it away on vain things, lack wisdom.
Even those who try to live off someone else’s hard-earned money, one would say a ‘leech’ will never learn to be responsible or stand on their own two feet. So saying that to say this, God loves a hard worker no matter how small their job is, as long as it is honest and helps with food, clothes, and shelter.
10. Proverbs 14:23 “In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.”
You have probably heard the term “All talk” once or twice before, and all this means is a person who only talks about doing something but never actually executes the plan. Same as saying we are Christians and say we will live by the Word but only do that on Sundays.
Enticing words will only get you so far, and vain words will ultimately lead to nothing. So to accomplish anything in life, you can’t just dream it, you have to work hard to make it happen.
11. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 “And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat.”
In this verse, Paul is telling his readers the hardship that comes with taking up the mantle of Christ. However, Paul encourages us to hold on and push through those difficulties. When he was a tent-maker, he had to work hard with his hands, while still seeking souls for Christ. He also told us that though they were criticized, they still blessed others, and though persecuted, they endured. So even when the mountain seems too hard to climb, don’t stop climbing. Keep pressing, and Push Until Something Happens!
12. Proverbs 22:29 “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”
Isn’t it wonderful to see someone excel at their job? As believers, God has entrusted us with specific gifts, gifts/talents in which we are required to use to bring glory to God. And whatever gift He has given to us, we must seek to be not the best but give our best, and God will bless us. And by giving our best, we will be recognized for our great work and be rewarded accordingly
13. 2 Timothy 4:7 “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
For believers, there is a race that we all have to run and valleys that we have to go through, but Paul tells us after we have done all we can, give our best for Christ’s sake, a prize awaits us.
Though the battle may be hard and the race might be long, keep running, and continue to fight the good fight of faith. And trust that it will be worth it in the end.
14. Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Sometimes good work means hard work, and hard work sometimes means getting tired now and then. And we may not always see the benefits right away, but Paul is encouraging us not to grow weary, find the strength to keep on keeping on.
Once we keep living by faith and allow God to lead us while we are doing good, our season of change will come. And whenever we feel ourselves growing tired, look to God because he is our strength, we won’t be carrying our cross alone. And once you plant good seeds, the harvest will be ripe for the picking.
15. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”
This verse is clear as day, if you don’t work, you don’t eat. And in chapter 4:11, it speaks of the idlers, and how we shouldn’t associate ourselves with them so they may be ashamed.
The Bible tells us “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest” (Proverbs 24:33-34) will, in turn, make poverty our best friend. We can’t live life like that. Once we are capable of working, let’s try to earn our keep and put our best foot forward.
Bible verses about working hard in sports
One common similarity between Sports and the Christian race is that both take hard work. Some other similarities are that they both require training, dedication, and keeping our minds focused on the prize ahead.
16. 1 Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ”
In any competition, only one person can come out on top. In this verse, Paul was referring to the Isthmian games they had back then which included more than just running. They had to be on strict diets, train hard, and had to have self-control.
He further compared this to the Christian race that we have to run, and the focus here is not finishing the race first, it’s the actions we take to get there. So let’s continue to exercise our faith, jump those hurdles, and work towards the finish line. Your prize is already waiting for you to claim.
17. 1 Timothy 4:8 “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
Now while training or physical exercise is beneficial to our body, especially with how isolated the world has become, our spirit needs training as well. Physical training only impacts the physical body, but spiritual training impacts spiritual growth. So while we are exercising each day, don’t let your spiritual health suffer, always remember to visit the Holy Ghost gym.
18. 2 Timothy 2:5 “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
When competing, there are many rules that one must follow to not get disqualified. And if that person gets disqualified then their chances of winning a prize is slim to none. And so it is with our Christian race, in order to receive the crown of righteousness, there are rules that we have to follow, rules that are laid out for us in the Word of God.
Bible verses about working hard in school
Let’s be honest, school is not always a smooth ride for some of us. While some may love it, it might be a roller coaster for the rest. Just remember, it doesn’t matter if you’re not “the” best, just do “your” best. And know that in God’s eyes, your worth is not dependent on how excellent you are in school.
19. Proverbs 12:24 “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.”
Being lazy accomplishes nothing but a vacation on the couch, and unfortunately, nothing comes to us with the click of a finger. If it was that easy, we wouldn’t know how it feels to enjoy the fruit of our labor.
And so to be successful in school, you don’t have to have a brain like Einstein or be in the running to be the next Bill Gates. All it requires is focus, hard work, commitment, and trusting God.
20. Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”
The important thing to note is that plenty here doesn’t only mean money. In life, or in school specifically, this verse could mean the success you achieve by doing your very best, and not taking shortcuts in order to get there. The only thing shortcut leads to is a disaster.
Hard work takes diligence, determination, and yes, it might even take sleepless nights. But trust God, trust the process, and remember success doesn’t happen overnight.
21. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
It is no secret that trying to maintain high self-esteem, especially while attending school/college can sometimes be difficult. There are so many things that will come up against you especially with the pressure of getting good grades.
However, anytime you find yourself in a spot where you doubt yourself, Paul reminds you that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. If God takes you to it, he will take you through it.
Conclusion:
The Bible tells us that when God reflected on the work he did, he said it was “Very good”, and as such, we too should aim to give our best. Also, remember that none of us are robots, so rest is vital as well. After all, after six days of working, Jesus rested on the seventh day, right? So stay determined, be the best you, and keep pressing towards the mark of the higher calling.
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