The Bible offers guidance and wisdom on various aspects of life, including pursuing work and finding one’s vocation. Throughout the Bible, some verses provide the principles and attitudes that should govern our approach to work irrespective of what kind of work it may be so far as it glorifies the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bible verses and commentary provide light on what the Bible says about finding work.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am in desperate need of your help. Only you can provide for a man in need and only you that can make a way where there is no way. As I step out in faith to look for work to do, I ask that you provide and open doors of opportunities for me in Jesus Christ name. Amen.
Bible Verses For Finding Work
Proverbs 22:29 (NIV):
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
Emphasizing the value of skill and excellence in work leads to recognition and promotion.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV):
“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.”
Encouraging a wholehearted and diligent approach to work, with the understanding that it is ultimately in service to the Lord.
Proverbs 16:3 (NIV):
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Acknowledging the importance of seeking God’s guidance and committing our work to Him for success.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV):
“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.”
Urging a diligent and wholehearted approach to work, recognizing the transient nature of life.
Psalm 90:17 (NIV):
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
A prayer for God’s favour and guidance in establishing the work undertaken.
Proverbs 14:23 (NIV):
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Highlighting the value of industriousness and the tangible results it produces.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV):
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Encouraging perseverance and dedication in the work done for the Lord, with the assurance of lasting significance.
Proverbs 13:4 (NIV):
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
Contrasting the outcomes of laziness and diligence, emphasizing the satisfaction derived from hard work.
James 2:17 (NIV):
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Drawing a parallel between faith and action, highlighting the importance of proactive effort in finding work.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV):
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Affirming the strength and capability that believers find in Christ, enabling them to overcome challenges in the pursuit of work.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Emphasizing the need for trust in God and submission to His guidance in the journey of finding work.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV):
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Prioritizing the pursuit of God’s kingdom, trusting that He will provide for our needs, including work.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV):
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'”
Highlighting the biblical principle of the relationship between work and provision, emphasizing personal responsibility.
Psalm 37:4 (NIV):
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Encouraging a focus on delighting in the Lord, trusting that He aligns the desires of the heart with His plans, including in the realm of work.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV):
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Acknowledging human planning while recognizing God’s sovereignty in directing our paths, including our career paths.
1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV):
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Emphasizing the responsibility to provide for one’s family, linking work and familial obligations.
Proverbs 20:4 (NIV):
“Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.”
Highlighting the consequences of procrastination and lack of diligence in the context of work.
Genesis 2:15 (NIV):
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
Establishing the concept of work as a divine assignment rooted in God’s original design for humanity.
Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV):
“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”
Connecting generosity with blessings in work, reflects the biblical principle of giving.
Luke 10:7 (NIV):
“Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.”
Acknowledging the principle that a worker deserves fair compensation for their labor.
Proverbs 18:9 (NIV):
“One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”
Drawing a strong parallel between laziness and destructive behavior, emphasizing the negative impact of idleness.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV):
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
Encouraging a holistic perspective that includes the honouring of God through all aspects of life, including work.
Proverbs 19:15 (NIV):
“Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.”
Illustrating the consequences of laziness, emphasizing the relationship between diligence and provision.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV):
“…and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
Encouraging a balanced and dignified approach to work, aligning with the pursuit of a quiet and respectful life.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Anchoring the search for work in the assurance of God’s plans for a hopeful future.
2 Timothy 2:6 (NIV):
“The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.”
Acknowledging the principle of reaping the benefits of one’s labour, emphasizing fairness.
Ephesians 4:28 (NIV):
“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.”
Connecting the transformation of character with engaging in meaningful work and generosity.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV):
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Encouraging a perspective that sees all aspects of life, including work, as opportunities to bring glory to God.
Romans 12:11 (NIV):
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Urging a continual and enthusiastic approach to work, recognizing it as a service to the Lord.
Hebrews 6:10 (NIV):
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Providing assurance that God recognizes and values the work done with love and assistance to others.
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