Psalm 104:23 | Man goes out to his work And to his labor until the evening.

Biblical perspective of work

Work necessary

Lord himself is a worker

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. (Genesis 2:2-3)

The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. (Genesis 2:8)

But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” (John 5:17)

Required in Old Testament

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, (Exodus 20:9)

Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed. (Exodus 23:12)

Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest. (Exodus 34:21)

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, (Deuteronomy 5:13)

Required in New Testament

Let him who steals 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. (Ephesians 4:28)

...nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have this authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. (2 Thessalonians 3:8-12)

Work expected

Man goes out to his work And to his labor until the evening. (Psalm 104:23)

The requirement to work not a consequence of sin

Man goes out to his work And to his labor until the evening. (Psalm 104:23)

Lord commanded people to work after the fall, but work more difficult

Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” Therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. (Genesis 3:17-19, 23)

He called his name Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.” (Genesis 5:29)

All honest work honourable

Examples of godly peoples’ vocations

Farmer

Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden, to tend and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)

And she again bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. (Genesis 4:2)

And Noah began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard. (Genesis 9:20)

And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have. (Genesis 46:32)

Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers.” (Genesis 47:3)

Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit. (Amos 7:14)

Domestic worker

So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put in his hand. (Genesis 39:4)

Government workers and leaders

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:41)

And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” So his heart fainted, for he did not believe them. (Genesis 45:26)

And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” (Nehemiah 4:14)

He made him lord of his house, And ruler of all his possessions, (Psalm 105:21)

Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. (Daniel 2:48)

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. (Daniel 6:1-2)

And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it. (Daniel 8:27)

And he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, (Acts 8:27)

Fishermen

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. (Matthew 4:18)

And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. (Mark 1:16)

And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him. (Mark 1:20)

Building trades

Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:55)

Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And were not His sisters there with us?” So they were offended at Him. (Mark 6:3)

And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. (Acts 18:2-3)

Tax collectors

As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and said to him, “Follow Me.” And he arose and followed Him. (Mark 2:14)

After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” (Luke 5:27)

Behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. (Luke 19:2)

Retailer

Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. (Acts 16:14)

Work as unto the Lord

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. (Ephesians 6:5-9)

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)

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. (Colossians 3:23-24)

Some people view work as a useless vanity

What profit has a man from all his labor In which he toils under the sun? (Ecclesiastes 1:3)

I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards. I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. All that my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor. Then I looked over all the works that my hands had done and the labor I had toiled in doing; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for wind. There was no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:4-5, 10-11)

Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity. Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. (Ecclesiastes 2:18-24)

What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task which the sons of men have been given to be occupied with. and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:9-10, 13)

Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for wind. The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for wind. (Ecclesiastes 4:4-6)

Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labors in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19)

All the labor of man is for his mouth, And yet the soul is not satisfied. (Ecclesiastes 6:7)

Our work should be the work God intends for us

Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build a secure house for him, and he shall walk before My anointed forever. (1 Samuel 2:28)

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)

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34)

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” (John 6:27)

For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; (Acts 13:36)

...each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

Work that will glorify the Lord

I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. (John 17:4)

Productive to know precise work Lord has for us

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Then that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with the fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. (John 21:3-11)

Work is useless apart from the Lord

Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. (Proverbs 16:3)

There must be no selfish ambition in work

...who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, (Romans 2:6, 8)

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:9-10)

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:14-16)

Do not desire greatness for self

And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the Lord. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.” (Jeremiah 45:5)

Strong, courageous and do not procrastinate

Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. (Joshua 1:6-7)

He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his Father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever. Then you shall prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. Arise therefore and be doing, and the Lord be with you. (1 Chronicles 22:10, 13, 16)

And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 28:20)

But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded! (2 Chronicles 15:7)

Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts. (Haggai 2:4)

We will encounter difficulties when doing work Lord has for us

Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. (Ezra 4:4-5)

Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your understanding, cease! (Proverbs 23:4)

And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work. So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and the armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah. Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. Of the builders, everyone had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me. Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” So we labored in the work, and half of them held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared. At the same time I also said to the people, “Let each man and his servant stay at Jerusalem, that they may be our guard by night and a working party by day.” (Nehemiah 4:15-22)

And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” For they all were trying to make us afraid, thinking, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” So now, O God, strengthen my hands! (Nehemiah 6:3, 9)

Work hard

The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. (Proverbs 12:27)

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. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand; For you do not know which will prosper, Either this or that, Or whether both alike will be good. (Ecclesiastes 11:6)

Examples of hard workers

These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your female goats have not miscarried their young, and I have not eaten the rams of your flock. I did not bring you what was torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss of it. You required it from my hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. This was my experience: by day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep fled from my eyes. (Genesis 31:38-40)

And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work. (Nehemiah 2:18)

So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6)

Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. (Acts 20:34)

To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. We are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we endure; (1 Corinthians 4:11-12)

...in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— (2 Corinthians 11:27)

To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. (Colossians 1:29)

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. (1 Thessalonians 2:9)

...nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, (2 Thessalonians 3:8)

Hunger motivates us to work

The person who labors, labors for himself, For his gaping mouth drives him on. (Proverbs 16:26)

Hard workers should be paid first

The hardworking farmer must be first to receive a share of the crops. (2 Timothy 2:6)

Benefits of work/hard work

Needs met

He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. (Proverbs 12:11)

Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who attends to his master will be honored. (Proverbs 27:18)

He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! (Proverbs 28:19)

Profit and wealth

He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes one rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. (Proverbs 10:4-5)

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase. (Proverbs 13:11)

In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, But everyone who is hasty surely goes to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5)

Satisfied soul

The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be fully satisfied. (Proverbs 13:4)

Leadership

The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy hand will be put to forced labor. (Proverbs 12:24)

Restful sleep

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, Whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep. (Ecclesiastes 5:12)

Happiness

Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. (Psalm 128:1-2)

Do not overwork

It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:2)

Do not overwork to get rich

Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your understanding, cease! (Proverbs 23:4)

Laziness condemned

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer, or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)

He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. (Proverbs 10:5)

As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him. (Proverbs 10:26)

The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. (Proverbs 12:27)

The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway. (Proverbs 15:19)

He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. (Proverbs 18:9)

A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. (Proverbs 19:24)

The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” (Proverbs 22:13)

The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to even bring it back to his mouth. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly. (Proverbs 26:13-16)

Consequences of laziness

Hunger

Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger. (Proverbs 19:15)

The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. (Proverbs 20:4)

Poverty

How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— So shall your poverty come on like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. (Proverbs 6:9-11)

He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes one rich. (Proverbs 10:4)

In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)

Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. (Proverbs 20:13)

For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. (Proverbs 23:21)

I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its face was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:30-34)

Because of laziness the roof sags, And through idleness of hands the house leaks. (Ecclesiastes 10:18)

Death

The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. (Proverbs 21:25)

Starved soul

The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be fully satisfied. (Proverbs 13:4)

Forced labour

The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy hand will be put to forced labor. (Proverbs 12:24)

Take time from work for rest and worship

Sabbath

Lord established Sabbath

For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. (Exodus 20:11)

It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’ (Exodus 31:17)

For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; for he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. (Hebrews 4:4, 10)

Sabbath required in Old Testament

On the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them; but that which every man must eat—that only may be done by you. (Exodus 12:16)

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. (Exodus 20:9-10)

Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed. (Exodus 23:12)

Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest. (Exodus 34:21)

For six days work shall be done, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. (Exodus 35:2)

But the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings. (Leviticus 23:3)

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. (Deuteronomy 5:13-14)

...if the peoples of the land bring wares or any foodstuff to sell on the Sabbath day, we would not buy it from them on the Sabbath or a holy day; and we would forego the seventh year’s produce and the exacting of every debt. (Nehemiah 10:31)

Thus says the Lord: “Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; nor carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work, but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. And it shall be, if you carefully obey Me,” says the Lord, “to bring no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but hallow the Sabbath day, to do no work in it, (Jeremiah 17:21-22, 24)

Penalty for not serving Sabbath

Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. (Exodus 31:15)

Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. They put him under guard, because it had not been determined what should be done with him. Then the Lord said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.” (Numbers 15:32-35)

In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them about the day on which they were selling provisions. Also men from Tyre, who dwelt there, brought in fish and all kinds of goods, and sold them on the Sabbath to the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, “What evil thing is this that you do, by which you profane the Sabbath day? Did not your fathers do thus, and did not our God bring all this trouble on us and on this city? Yet you bring greater wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.” (Nehemiah 13:15-18)

Therefore you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not obey you. You shall also call to them, but they will not answer you. (Jeremiah 7:27)

Sabbatical year

Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your olive grove. (Exodus 23:10-11)

And the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land which I give you, then the land shall keep a sabbath to the Lord. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather its fruit; but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of rest for the land, a sabbath to the Lord. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard. What grows of its own accord of your harvest you shall not reap, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine—it shall be a year of rest for the land. (Leviticus 25:1-5)

Consequences of not observing sabbatical year

Then the land shall enjoy its sabbaths as long as it lies desolate and you are in your enemies’ land; then the land shall rest and enjoy its sabbaths. (Leviticus 26:34)

The land also shall be left empty by them, and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them; they will accept their guilt, because, yes, they despised My judgments and because their souls abhorred My statutes. (Leviticus 26:43)

Year of Jubilee

The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine. (Leviticus 25:11)

Religious holidays in Old Testament

Passover

...‘On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work. (Numbers 28:18)

...‘On the seventh day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work.’ (Numbers 28:25)

Six days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a sacred assembly to the Lord your God. You shall do no work on it. (Deuteronomy 16:8)

Day of Atonement

This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you. (Leviticus 16:29)

Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (Leviticus 23:27-31)

Feast of Unleavened Bread

On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work. For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work.’ (Leviticus 23:7-8)

Feast of Booths

...“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord. On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. For seven days you shall offer burnt offerings to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer a burnt offering to the Lord. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it. (Leviticus 23:34-36)

...‘And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work, and you shall keep a feast to the Lord seven days. On the eighth day you shall have a sacred assembly. You shall do no customary work. (Numbers 29:12, 35)

Various religious festivals

And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (Leviticus 23:21)

...“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.’ (Leviticus 23:24-25)

...‘Also on the day of the firstfruits, when you bring a new grain offering to the Lord at your Feast of Weeks, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work. (Numbers 28:26)

...‘And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work. For you it is a day of blowing trumpets. (Numbers 29:1)

...‘On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall afflict your souls; you shall not do any work. (Numbers 29:7)

God’s part in work

God gives job skills

So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest. (Exodus 28:3)

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, (Exodus 31:1-3)

And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you: (Exodus 31:6)

And Moses said to the children of Israel, “See, the Lord has called Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, by name. And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship. And He has put in his heart that he may teach, both he and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the engraver and the designer and the tapestry maker, in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the weaver—those who do every work and those who design artistic works. (Exodus 35:30-35)

And Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, came and did the work. Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, came and did the work. (Exodus 36:1-2)

Only may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, and when He charges you concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. (1 Chronicles 22:12)

Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you ever had, nor shall any who come after you have.” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12)

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. (2 Chronicles 9:23)

For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind. (Ecclesiastes 2:26)

As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. (Daniel 1:17)

And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand. (Daniel 2:21, 23)

God gives success

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. (Genesis 39:2-3)

The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” (Ruth 2:12)

Now, my son, may the Lord be with you; and may you prosper, and build the house of the Lord your God, as He has said concerning you. (1 Chronicles 22:11)

And I told them of the hand of my God, which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work. Then I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:18, 20)

And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work. And I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” (Nehemiah 4:15, 19-20)

So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God. (Nehemiah 6:15-16)

John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. (John 3:27)

God ultimately controls promotion

Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. (1 Chronicles 29:12)

Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you, setting you on His throne to be king for the Lord your God! Because your God has loved Israel and established them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness.” (2 Chronicles 9:8)

For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one, and exalts another. (Psalm 75:6-7)

You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field, or the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all. You are this head of gold. (Daniel 2:37-38)

Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses. (Daniel 5:21)

God can motivate people to work

So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, (Haggai 1:14)

Employer and employee responsibilities

Employer responsibilities

Pay a fair wage

...“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness And his chambers by injustice, Who uses his neighbor’s service without wages And gives him nothing for his work, (Jeremiah 22:13)

And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, And against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away a stranger— Because they do not fear Me,” Says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:5)

Example of negotiating for a fair wage

Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what should your wages be?” (Genesis 29:15)

Then he said, “Name me your wages, and I will give it.” (Genesis 30:28)

Punishment for those not paying fair wage

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. (James 5:1)

Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. (James 5:3-4)

Parable with illustration of paying fair wage

For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’ “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” (Matthew 20:1-16)

Pay employee promptly

...‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you overnight until morning. (Leviticus 19:13)

You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether one of your brethren or one of the aliens who are in your land within your gates. Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and sets his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the Lord, and it be sin to you. (Deuteronomy 24:14-15)

Be just and fair

Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4:1)

Do not threaten, rather serve employee

...with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. (Ephesians 6:7-9)

Listen to employee complaints

If I have despised the cause of my manservant or my maidservant, When they complained against me, What then shall I do when God rises up? When He punishes, how shall I answer Him? Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb? (Job 31:13-15)

Give employee adequate rest or suffer consequences

...‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. (Isaiah 58:3)

If employer dishonest, employees become dishonest

If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. (Proverbs 29:12)

Special treatment for employees who are believers

If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing. (Exodus 21:2)

If one of your brethren, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you. And when you send him away free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed; you shall supply him liberally from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress, from that with which the Lord your God has blessed you, you shall give to him. (Deuteronomy 15:12-14)

Employer blessed for having godly employees

And Laban said to him, “Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me for your sake.” (Genesis 30:27)

So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. (Genesis 39:5)

Faithful employer

Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. (Nehemiah 5:14)

But the former governors who had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people; but so did not I, because of the fear of God. (Nehemiah 5:15)

Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land; and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work. (Nehemiah 5:16)

Moreover there were at my table one hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those who came to us from the nations that were about us. (Nehemiah 5:17)

Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days abundance of all sorts of wine; yet for all this I did not demand the bread of the governor, because the servitude was heavy upon this people. (Nehemiah 5:18)

Unfaithful employer

So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all kinds of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor. (Exodus 1:13-14)

Be selective in hiring employees

The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his hire. (Proverbs 26:10)

Employees responsibilities

Be faithful

So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. (Daniel 6:4)

Serve godly employer even more faithfully

And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them all the more, because those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. These things teach and exhort. (1 Timothy 6:2)

Success can be result of employee faithfulness

A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and will share a part of the inheritance among brothers. (Proverbs 17:2)

Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit; so he who waits on his master will be honored. (Proverbs 27:18)

So Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. (Daniel 6:28)

Example of employees so faithful that accountability not required

However there was no reckoning made with them of the money delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully. (2 Kings 12:15)

Howbeit no reckoning shall be demanded of them for the money that is delivered into their hand; because they deal faithfully. (2 Kings 22:7)

Example of supervised faithful employees

And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and others of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick. (2 Chronicles 34:12)

Faithful employee a blessing to employer

Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. (Proverbs 25:13)

Be obedient to employer because actually serving Lord

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 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. (Colossians 3:22-24)

Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. (Titus 2:9-10)

Even when working for unreasonable employer

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering unjustly. (1 Peter 2:18-19)

Honour your employer

Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. (1 Timothy 6:1)

Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, (Titus 2:9)

Do not slander your fellow employees

Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it. (Proverbs 30:10)

Be content with your wage

Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:14)

Act with moral integrity

And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he withheld from me anything except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:7-9)

General principles of work and business

Do not be in business partnership with unbelievers

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)

Build business before building house

Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. (Proverbs 24:27)

Productivity creates certain amount of clutter

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. (Proverbs 14:4)

Skilled people will be honoured

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. (Proverbs 22:29)

Do not presume upon tomorrow in business

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. (James 4:13-15)

Attend to your own business working with your hands

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Ungodly people will sometimes persecute the godly to protect a wicked business

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (Acts 19:24-28)

The Lord can use work to humble us

Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. (Psalm 107:11-12)

Fair remuneration required for goods and services

Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint. (1 Kings 5:6)

I will send the timber of the cedars, and the fir trees, and the algum trees, from Lebanon unto thee: and do thou send me the timber of the cedars, and the fir trees, and the algum trees, from Lebanon unto thee: for we know that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians. Now therefore I will give to thy servants that cut wood, twenty thousand cors of wheat, and twenty thousand cors of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil. (2 Chronicles 2:9-10)

Example of unfair remuneration

And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the LORD, and the king's house, (Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they pleased him not. (1 Kings 9:10-12)

Retirement

This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more: But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, but shall do no service. (Numbers 8:24-26)

The excellent wife works hard and is a blessing to her household

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:10-28)

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (Titus 2:4-5)

Empty pursuits result in poverty

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. (Proverbs 12:11)

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. (Proverbs 28:19)

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Work

Work is God-given and necessary, but should be balanced with rest and worship. All honest work is honorable when done for God. Laziness is condemned, while overwork is discouraged.