It’s easy to compartmentalize our livesand keep our work separate from our relationship with the Lord. We may start our day with an early-morning devotion, but by the time we get to work, we’ve forgotten what we’ve read.
However, inviting the Holy Spirit into every part of our lives is the only way to navigate the many stresses that come our way. We need theLord to guide us through every task, big or small. And the ultimate guide is his Word. No matter what your vocation, here are 15 Bible verses about work you can remember and recall in prayer and praise as you go about your job.
1. Genesis 2:15
Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
Where has God placed you? In what field of work has he blessed you? Consider Genesis 2:15 today, as you give thanks to the One who has allowed you to be in the specific role you’re in.
2. Psalm 90:17
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
Do you believe God has established the work of your hands? Take some time to meditate on Psalm 90:17, knowing that the Lord will establish every beautiful work that is committed to Him.
3. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.
Solomon, who was considered the wisest man on earth, knew that a happy life consisted of rejoicing in God, doing good, and enjoying the blessings of labor. Yet, how often do we find ourselves discontent? Spend a few quiet moments in prayer, asking the Lord to help you find joy and contentment in your work. Let go of worldly desires that only leave you empty. Rejoice in the Lord, do good, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
4. Proverbs 12:11
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.
Have you ever thoughtthat if you could just discover the next big thing in business, you’d be successful and happy? Instead, remember the wisdom from Proverbs 12:11, and guard against chasing after worthless pursuits. When a new idea comes, take it to the Lord and follow his lead.
5. Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
Massive amounts of debt have been incurred by well-meaning companieswith the hopes of gaining wealth rapidly. However, some of the wealthiest people in the world agree that it’s the bit-by-bit earning and saving that leads to the biggest financial gains. Proverbs 13:11 is an important Bible verse to apply, no matter what work you’re in. Take it to heart and slow your pace to align with God’s provision.
6. Proverbs 14:23
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
If you’re like me, you’ve had a lot of different jobs over the course of your life. And some of them probably weren’t all that fun. I still remember selling knives door-to-door, as a nineteen-year-old saving for college. I look back nowand wonder how on earth I thought carrying a suitcase full of knives into stranger’s homes was a good idea!
While all hard work brings a profit, be discerning about the hard work you do. And if you find you’re in a job that isn’t right for you, pray for God to open the right doors at the right time. Here are a few online quizzes to help you find your dream job.
7. Proverbs 16:3
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Do you have big ideas at workthat often go unnoticed? Commit those ideas to the Lord! He is the best one to hear you, and open doors of opportunity. When you fully trust him at work, he will lead you in the way you should go. Lay your plans before him and wait expectantly for what hewill do!
8. Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
For many of us, work brings daily amounts of stress and anxiety. We have deadlines to meet, bosses to please, and coworkers to relate to. Not only that, we needour jobs in order to provide for our families!
If you are anxious about work, take some time away to refocus. Turn your daily anxieties into prayers that seek first the kingdom of God. The Lord knows what you need. You can depend on him to provide.
9. Acts 20:24
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Sometimes, our job is simply a platform for which to share the Good News. It doesn’t matter if we work alone at a desk, or with a community of people. There are those in our sphere of influence that need to hear about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
No matter how wefeel about the work we do, we can view our workplace as a field of beloved people ripe for harvest. This doesn’t mean we go into the office with a stack of Bibles in hand, it means we approach every day with a heart ready to give and receive.
10. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Those of us who work in Christian ministry or outreach may feel like we are running in circles. We may ask ourselves: Are our efforts making any difference? If this describes you, please be encouraged today. Be steadfast in the strength of the Lord. Be immovable in the truth of his Word. And know that your work for the kingdom is not in vain!
11. Colossians 3:17
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.
Whatever difficulties have arisen in your workplace, are you able to set them aside and give thanks? This can make a world of difference, not only for your mindset, but for your overall wellbeing. Giving thanks in all circumstances is Biblical. And committing your work to the Lord in the name of Jesus will only lead to joy and peace.
12. Colossians 3:23
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
I still remember teaching my children Colossians 3:23. We would recite it at the breakfast table before school. Their version went something like this: “In all the work you are doing, work the best you can as unto the Lord and not man.”
When we shift our perspective, from trying to please men to pleasing God, our whole attitude about work changes. No longer are we striving to perform; we are working for an audience of One.
13. 2 Timothy 2:6
It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
In all of our striving, we sometimes forget to enjoy the fruits of our labor. If this is an issue for you, spend some time reevaluating how you can begin to enjoy the rewards of your hard work. It may be, that you schedule one day each month as a personal day to refuel. Or, it may be that you need to spend more time with family by enjoying a day trip or weekend getaway. Whatever the case, ask God to help you enjoy the fruits of your labor.
14. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
As we apply the Bible to our work, we know that the Scriptures are not mere words, but life-giving wisdom inspired by God. Let’s keep this in mind as we carry the Scriptures into our workplace!
15. Titus 2:7-8
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
As you apply these Bible verses to your work, those around you will begin to notice. They will wonder how you are so peaceful in stressful situations. They will notice the joy you exude. They will admire your integrity. They may even ask you about your faith, which can lead to an opportunity to share the Gospel. Sharing Jesus, of course, is the best reason to apply the Bible to your work!
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