Work is one of the themes Scripture returns to again and again. Scripture treats ordinary work with weight: it is one of the places we serve God and one another, even when it is hard or hidden.
People reach for these passages when they're looking up job, career, hate my job, burned out at work, or some version of "what does the Bible say about work?"
Among the most-cited passages on this theme are Colossians 3:23-24, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Proverbs 16:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, and others below. Colossians 3:23-24 is the passage many readers return to first.
The page also offers a written prayer that names work plainly and asks God for what's needed in this moment. It is not a magic formula — it is a small, faithful starting point.
A short reflection question sits at the bottom of the page: Whose face will your work touch today, and how can you bless them? Sit with it for a minute, or carry it into a journal.
If this isn't quite the right doorway, try a closely related theme: Purpose, Rest, Calling.
Verses
Colossians 3:23-24
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
Ephesians 6:5-9
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Psalms 90:17
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
Reflection
Whose face will your work touch today, and how can you bless them?
Related topics
Want to search by feeling instead? Type what's on your heart on the home page.