🛠️ WORK: A DIVINE CALLING AND KINGDOM PRINCIPLE

nomvula5
Jul 8
3 min read

ntroduction: God First Talks About Work Work is not man's invention — it is God's idea. The first reference to work in Scripture appears in Genesis 2, where God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it." Work, therefore, is not a punishment or a burden — it is part of God's divine plan for stewardship, purpose, and worship.

The New Testament reaffirms the value of work. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul writes, "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." Work is both a personal responsibility and a channel for generosity and service. Similarly, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 reminds us: "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat." Work is both a personal responsibility and a channel for generosity and service.

Let’s explore three key principles about work from the book of Proverbs:

💪 1. INDUSTRIOUS: The Call to Diligence

📖 Proverbs 10:1–5 "He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son."

This passage contrasts diligence and laziness. An industrious person plans, sows, reaps, and manages time wisely. In God's kingdom, laziness leads to lack, but diligence leads to reward and honor. Believers are encouraged to be proactive, disciplined, and mindful of seasons.

Diligence is a hallmark of godly character. The book of Proverbs emphasizes this truth repeatedly:

Proverbs 6:6–11 – Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise.
Proverbs 12:24 – "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor."
Proverbs 14:23 – "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

Being industrious honors God. It shows discipline, foresight, and a heart committed to excellence.

💰 2. PROSPEROUS: God’s Blessing Through Work

📖 Proverbs 10:22–24 "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it."

Prosperity in Proverbs isn’t about quick riches — it’s about the blessing of the Lord that accompanies honest work. When work is done in alignment with God’s wisdom and righteousness, it yields lasting fruit. True success is not marked by stress, but by peace that comes from God’s favor.

True prosperity comes from the Lord, not from overwork or manipulation. When you align your work ethic with God’s wisdom, you gain lasting, peaceful fruit:

Proverbs 13:11 – "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow."
Proverbs 16:3 – "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
Psalm 90:17 – "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands..."

Biblical prosperity is about more than money — it’s about fruitfulness, favor, and fulfillment in your calling.

🤲 3. GENEROUS: The Fruit of Work

📖 Proverbs 11:24- 30 "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty."

God blesses us not only for our benefit, but so we can be a blessing to others. Work enables generosity, and generosity leads to an increase. A generous worker becomes a tree of life, nourishing others with wisdom, provision, and support.

God doesn’t just want us to work for ourselves — He wants us to become channels of blessing to others:

Proverbs 3:9–10 – "Honor the Lord with your wealth... then your barns will be filled to overflowing..."
2 Corinthians 9:6–8 – "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly... God loves a cheerful giver."
Acts 20:35 – "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Generosity multiplies what we have and brings joy to others. The generous worker becomes a “tree of life” (Proverbs 11:30), bearing fruit that nourishes generations.