The Bible speaks to employees about working with integrity and serving as if working for the Lord. Today, we’ll discuss how Scripture encourages us to approach our work with diligence and faithfulness.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Emotional Infidelity
What Does The Bible Say About Employees
Colossians 3:23-24
“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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of having a diligent and wholehearted work ethic. It reminds employees that their ultimate authority is not their earthly employers, but the Lord Himself. By working diligently and wholeheartedly, employees not only honor the Lord but also can expect to be rewarded by Him. It encourages employees to see their work as a service rendered to the Lord.
Ephesians 6:5-8
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”
This verse addresses slaves, but its principles can be applied to employees in modern contexts. It teaches that employees should obey and serve their earthly masters with respect, sincerity, and wholeheartedness. By doing so, they are ultimately serving the Lord Himself and can expect to be rewarded by Him. This verse highlights the importance of having a genuine desire to do good in the workplace, regardless of external circumstances.
Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
This verse recognizes the value of skill and competence in one’s work. It suggests that individuals who excel in their craft will have opportunities to serve and work alongside influential and respected people. It encourages employees to cultivate their skills and strive for excellence in their work, ultimately leading to greater opportunities and influence in their profession.
1 Timothy 5:18
“For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’”
This verse acknowledges the principle of fair compensation for employees. It draws from Deuteronomy 25:4, which prevents the mistreatment of animals used for work, and applies it to human workers. It emphasizes that workers deserve to be paid for their labor and contributions. Employers are reminded to uphold fairness and justice by providing appropriate wages to their employees.
Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This verse highlights the importance of taking action and putting in effort in one’s work. It suggests that diligent and hard work leads to profit and success, while mere talk without action leads to poverty. It encourages employees to be proactive, productive, and dedicated in their work, knowing that their efforts will yield positive results.
Psalm 90:17
“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.”
This verse serves as a prayer for God’s favor and blessing upon the work that employees do with their hands. It acknowledges God as the one who can establish and bring success to their endeavors. It encourages employees to seek God’s guidance and blessing in their work, recognizing that their ultimate source of strength and prosperity comes from Him.
Proverbs 13:4
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
This verse contrasts the laziness and lack of motivation of a sluggard with the fulfillment that comes from diligence and hard work. It encourages employees to be diligent, proactive, and passionate about their work, knowing that their efforts will lead to satisfaction and fulfillment. It serves as a reminder that the rewards of diligent labor extend beyond mere physical outcomes.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse urges employees to commit their work and plans to the Lord, trusting Him to establish and guide their endeavors. It highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and direction in their work, knowing that He has the power to bring success and fulfillment. By surrendering their work to God, employees can find peace, confidence, and assurance that their efforts are aligned with His will.
Proverbs 12:24
“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”
This verse contrasts the ultimate outcomes of diligence and laziness. It suggests that those who are diligent and hardworking will rise to positions of authority and influence, while the lazy will experience the consequences of their inaction. It encourages employees to be diligent in their work, knowing that their efforts contribute to their own growth and success.
Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
This verse highlights the relationship between laziness and poverty, as well as diligence and wealth. It encourages employees to be diligent and hardworking in their pursuits, understanding that their efforts contribute to financial stability and prosperity. It serves as a reminder that success in work requires consistent effort and dedication.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving our best in whatever task or work we find ourselves engaged in. It encourages employees to wholeheartedly invest their energy, skills, and creativity into their work, recognizing that there is limited opportunity for such endeavors after death. It serves as a reminder to live fully and purposefully in the present, making the most of the opportunities we have.
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
This verse teaches the principle of faithfulness and integrity in the workplace. It suggests that how one handles small responsibilities is indicative of how they will handle greater responsibilities. It encourages employees to demonstrate integrity, honesty, and excellence in even the smallest tasks, knowing that it reflects their character and reliability.
Proverbs 27:18
“Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever looks after their master will be honored.”
This verse draws a parallel between tending a fig tree and faithfully serving a master. It implies that those who faithfully care for their work and fulfill their duties with excellence will experience the rewards and honor that come with it. It encourages employees to embrace their roles and responsibilities wholeheartedly, knowing that their faithful service will be recognized and appreciated.
Proverbs 18:9
“One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”
This verse addresses the consequences of laziness and negligence in one’s work. It suggests that those who are negligent in their work contribute to destruction and harm. It serves as a warning to employees to be diligent, responsible, and conscientious in their work, recognizing their contribution to the overall success and well-being of their workplace.
Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
This verse recognizes the value of skill and competence in one’s work. It suggests that individuals who excel in their craft will have opportunities to serve and work alongside influential and respected people. It encourages employees to cultivate their skills and strive for excellence in their work, ultimately leading to greater opportunities and influence in their profession.
Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
This verse tells the parable of the talents, where a servant who faithfully multiplied what he had been entrusted with was rewarded by his master. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and stewardship in the workplace. It encourages employees to be faithful and diligent in their responsibilities, knowing that their efforts will be recognized and rewarded.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse reminds employees that their work is not just for their own gain or the approval of others, but should ultimately be done to bring glory to God. It encourages employees to approach their work with a mindset of service, integrity, and excellence, knowing that their actions can be a reflection of their faith and can bring honor to God.
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and direction in one’s work. It recognizes that while individuals may make plans and set goals, ultimately it is the Lord who determines the path and outcome. It encourages employees to trust in God’s sovereign guidance, knowing that He will establish their steps and lead them in the right direction.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse reminds employees to prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. It encourages them to seek God’s will and live according to His principles, knowing that when they do, all their needs will be provided for by God. It serves as a reminder to employees to have a proper perspective on their work, with their ultimate focus on God’s purposes.
Proverbs 31:17
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
This verse describes the virtuous woman’s diligent approach to her work. It exemplifies the importance of approaching one’s work with energy, strength, and determination. It encourages employees to be proactive and tenacious in their pursuit of excellence, knowing that their efforts will yield fruit and make a positive impact in their workplace.
Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
This verse presents a contrast between the plans of the diligent, which lead to profit, and hasty actions, which lead to poverty. It encourages employees to be deliberate, thoughtful, and diligent in their work, knowing that their careful planning and execution will contribute to success and prosperity.
Titus 2:9-10
“Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
This verse addresses the attitude and behavior of slaves, but its principles can be applied to employees in employer-employee relationships. It encourages employees to demonstrate respect, obedience, trustworthiness, and loyalty towards their employers. By doing so, employees can reflect the character of God and serve as a positive witness in the workplace.
Proverbs 28:19
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.”
This verse contrasts the outcomes of those who diligently work their land, symbolizing their vocation, and those who chase after frivolous ambitions. It encourages employees to be focused, dedicated, and committed to their work, knowing that it will result in a harvest of provision and abundance. It serves as a reminder to prioritize meaningful and purposeful work.
Psalm 128:2
“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
This verse affirms the principle of reaping the rewards of one’s labor. It suggests that through diligent work, individuals can expect to experience blessings and prosperity. It encourages employees to commit themselves to their work, knowing that their efforts will bear fruit and lead to favorable outcomes.
Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of taking action and putting in effort in one’s work. It suggests that diligent and hard work leads to profit and success, while mere talk without action leads to poverty. It encourages employees to be proactive, productive, and dedicated in their work, knowing that their efforts will yield positive results.
Psalm 90:17
“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.”
This verse serves as a prayer for God’s favor and blessing upon the work that employees do with their hands. It acknowledges God as the one who can establish and bring success to their endeavors. It encourages employees to seek God’s guidance and blessing in their work, recognizing that their ultimate source of strength and prosperity comes from Him.