Of the Wonderful Worth of Work

Happy Labour Day!

Every good and perfect gift is from above..

James 1:17

even the humble spud!

Which was the fruit/gift of Saturday's toil!

Proverbs 14:23 ESV 

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

All over our country we can find Help Wanted Ads and Signs! 

Some today, prefer a government cheque and idleness to

the incomparable worth of work!

If we are blessed with health and strength we are fitted for toil!

Some today strongly push an agenda where hard-working

labourers should give the government power over the proceeds

to dole and divvy, with discretion that seems to have rejected God's Word

and is devoid of His pinnacle of wisdom!

There is much in scripture to condemn idleness/laziness

and praise hard work!

Below is only the tip of the iceberg on 

what God's Word teaches about working and idleness.

Eccles.2:24-25 NIV

A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink

and find satisfaction in their own toil.

This too, I see, is from the hand of God,

25for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?

Ecclesiastes 10:18 ESV

Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.

Proverbs 19:15 ESV

Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.

Proverbs 31:27 ESV 

She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness 

and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 ESV

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command:

If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

For we hear that some among you walk in idleness,

not busy at work, but busybodies.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 ESV

And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, 

and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 

so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV 

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold,

 it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles,

 and its stone wall was broken down. 

Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction.

 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Proverbs 21:25-26 ESV

The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 

All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

Col.3:23

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, 

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The high calling of labour is a call we dare not shirk

To toil for God and 'neighbor' is life's greatest, worthwhile work

For the spoil of our toil, as we try to do our good part 

Will satisfy us with the joyful wealth of thankful heart

Where if we are so able by the health that God so grants

We ought to set the table through the work of our own hands

And give to those who have not because they are sick and poor

And live with the awareness of who we are working for

Then, with glad gratitude work hard and give the Giver laud

A servant in a vineyard whose Master is Holy God

Janet Martin