15 Bible Verses About Hard Work and Determination
The Lord reminds you that your perseverance will pay off in the end.
It can be difficult to keep up a strong work ethic in an era of burnout, and this is especially true after a stressful week of balancing school, your job, family, and personal responsibilities. All stacked 0n top of each other, the pressure to do it all —and do it well — can be exhausting. But the Lord is on your side to help you persevere and to remind you that you have both your inner strength and His. If you need a boost of motivation to get you through difficult tasks, these Bible verses about hard work will lend a spark of inspiration.
Working hard doesn't have to equate to being in overdrive 24/7. Instead, these verses on hard work and determination will encourage you to try the best you can at the given moment you are facing. These passages of scripture are a reminder that God is watching over you not only to lend support, but also to reward you for overcoming obstacles you didn't think possible. His strength can be found in your faith, which you can access through prayer whenever you need a reminder that your work ethic never goes away, but just needs to be recharged every now and again. And the following Bible verses about hard work will help you do just that.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people. You know that you will receive an inheritance as a reward. You serve the Lord Christ.”
The Good News: No matter what you do, you are using the gifts that the Lord gave you. If you put your talents to use, you are proving to God that you love him and worship him.
Philippians 2:14-15
“Do everything without grumbling and arguing so that you may be blameless and pure, innocent children of God surrounded by people who are crooked and corrupt. Among these people you shine like stars in the world.”
The Good News: Even in dark and confusing times, do whatever is needed without doubt or hesitation. If you choose to work hard and keep your head down, others will follow your lead.
Galatians 6:9
“Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up.”
The Good News: Although we may not immediately see the reward for our good doings, they will come. Do not give up! Perseverance is key.
Psalm 128:2
“You will definitely enjoy what you’ve worked hard for — you’ll be happy; and things will go well for you.”
The Good News: God rewards those who work hard, and that can come in a variety of ways. But if you continue to put in a solid work ethic, you deserve whatever is outcome.
Psalm 90:17
“Let the kindness of the Lord our God be over us. Make the work of our hands last. Make the work of our hands last!”
The Good News: Anything we set forth to do without God's initial blessing is meaningless. It's important to make sure whatever we do is in the eyes of the Lord, and therefore we ask for his blessing over our work.
Romans 12:11
“Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!”
The Good News: Just as the Bible preaches, don't lose your energy. Find passion in your work and remain steadfast in your love for the Lord. Then, you will see success.
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”
The Good News: Hard work, dedication, and staying true to your faith pays off in the end. Stick to it and you will be rewarded — God will make sure of it.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory.”
The Good News: It doesn't matter if you're working, eating, hanging out with friends, or any other type of activity, it's vital to keep the Lord in mind when completing any act during your day. Can you be kind to one another, donate your extra cans to a shelter, or spend an extra hour helping a coworker? What would Jesus do?
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
The Good News: Even if you're lost and don't know your way out through a difficult situation right now, give it all up to God. Make a promise with him that you will see it through the end, and he will lay a path down for you.
Proverbs 21:25
“The desires of the lazy will kill them, because their hands refuse to do anything.”
The Good News: A lazy, uninspired person will not get anything done and refuses to do work. Aspire to avoid all temptations of doubt and slothfulness, and you'll thrive in life.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if someone doesn’t provide for their own family, and especially for a member of their household, they have denied the faith. They are worse than those who have no faith.”
The Good News: You have been given so many gifts and tools to support your loved ones. So step up and provide, and you will follow God and his son Jesus' lead. It may be difficult at first, but you'll bring joy not only to others, but yourself as well.
Proverbs 14:23
“There is profit in hard work, but mere talk leads to poverty.”
The Good News: You have to talk the talk and walk the walk if you expect to succeed. Put in the hard work and long hours, and you will see wealth come your way. If you simply dream of it and don't take action, you won't see a dime.
2 Timothy 2:6
“A hardworking farmer should get the first share of the crop.”
The Good News: Those who work hard and put in the effort deserve to be rewarded. It's as simple as that.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
“Even when we were with you we were giving you this command: ‘If anyone doesn’t want to work, they shouldn’t eat.’ We hear that some of you are living an undisciplined life. They aren’t working, but they are meddling in other people’s business. By the Lord Jesus Christ, we command and encourage such people to work quietly and put their own food on the table.”
The Good News: Those not willing to put in the work do not deserve the reward at the end of the journey. If you decide to put in the effort and dedication that it takes to succeed, do so quietly and without pride. Then the Lord will know who you are truly working for.
Philippians 4:13
“I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”
The Good News: At the end of the day, God is on our side. We can do anything thanks to Him. We just need to ask for his support.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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