# What does the Bible say about work?

> What the Bible says about work — verses on working as unto the Lord, committing your labor, and honest effort, plus one next step.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/work
By Andrew Kittridge, Founder of Lumin · August 13, 2026

Work in Scripture is older than the fall: people were made to cultivate, make, and keep. The Bible honors diligent labor and warns against both idleness and work that becomes a god. What you do with your hands and hours can be offered to God without being the source of your worth.

## Key verses

- **Colossians 3:23** — Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord rather than for people.
- **Proverbs 16:3** — Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
- **Ecclesiastes 9:10** — Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.
- **2 Thessalonians 3:10** — The one unwilling to work should not eat — a warning against idle dependence, not against the unable.

## Highlighted verse

> And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
>
> — Colossians 3:23 (King James Version)

## Reflection

The Bible relocates the audience of your work. You still have a boss, a customer, or a classroom, but the deeper measure is whether the labor is honest, neighbor-loving, and offered to God. Rest belongs beside this: work that never stops has already become an idol.

## One next step

Before your next task, pray Colossians 3:23 once, then do that one task without splitting attention — as if the Lord were the one receiving it.

## Related questions

- [What does the Bible say about money?](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/money.md)
- [What does the Bible say about rest?](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/rest.md)
- [What does the Bible say about identity?](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/identity.md)


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