11 Bible Verses about Men Working
Most Relevant Verses
For even when we were with you, we gave you this order: If any person does not [want to] work, he should not [get to] eat.
But if anyone does not provide for [the needs of] his own [relatives], and especially for his own [immediate] family, he has denied the faith [i.e., the fundamental beliefs of Christianity], and is worse than an unbeliever.
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of [only] one wife, sober-minded [Note: When this word, used here figuratively, is used in its literal sense, it means to abstain from intoxicating drinks], sensible, respectable, hospitable, capable of teaching.
[We also urge you to] make it your aim to live a quiet life, and to attend to your own business matters, and to work with your hands, as we urged you. [Note: Possibly this exhortation was directed toward the tendency of some people there to neglect ordinary responsibilities in view of an imminent return of Christ]. [Do these things] so that you will live in a proper way in front of outsiders [i.e., non-Christians], and not have [to depend on people for] any needs.
In whatever you do, work wholeheartedly, as though it were for the Lord and not [just] for people,
At that time there will be two men [working] in a field; one will be taken [i.e., to be with the Lord. See I Thess. 4:17], while the other one will be left [i.e., to be punished by the Lord. See II Thess. 1:7-9].
But what do you think [about this]? A man had two sons; He went to the first one and said, 'Son, go to work in my vineyard today.'
There will be two men in a field [i.e., doing farm work]; one will be taken [i.e., to be with the Lord], while the other one will be left [i.e., to be punished by the Lord]." See Matt. 24:40}}
While it is still daytime we must perform the acts of God, who sent me. Nighttime is coming, when no one can act.
Render your service wholeheartedly, as you would to the Lord, and not [just] to people,
Now we command and urge such people, in [the fellowship of] the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work quietly and earn their own living.
