Proverbs for the Workplace

The Bible’s Book of proverbs is a divine guide to a wise, fruitful and godly life. The principles in this ancient book have inspired people for thousands of years. And its precepts are just as effective today as they have ever been. Here are several nuggets of wisdom to take with you to work.

1. Proverbs 10:4 – “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

Diligent workers are blessed workers. The diligent person applies constant effort to accomplish his or her goal and then that diligence produces a reward. The term “diligent” comes from a Hebrew verb that means to sharpen. In other words it means to be decisive, sharp, disciplined, to have a dogged persistence. Be steadfast in your work, especially in these current times of trial and economic hardship.

A “slack hand” means lazy, but it also includes the idea of being deceitful. The fate of the lazy person is poverty. There is a similar idea in Proverbs 6:6-11:

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, ⁷ Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler,  ⁸ Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.  ⁹ How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? ¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— ¹¹ So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.”

2. Proverbs 11:24, 25 – “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. ²⁵ The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.”

Generosity brings a reward. Some people in the work place make the mistake of not helping others. They think the less they serve others the more time they have for themselves. Be wise, but share your time, your talents and skills with your co-workers. Be free of smallness and you will be blessed.

3. Proverbs 14:23 – “In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty.”

Work is hard and talk is easy. Don’t just talk the walk, rather walk the talk. Get in their and get the job done—just do it! God blesses our serious and noble efforts in whatever area of work we are in.

4. Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.”

The verb “Commit” is from a word that means to roll. The idea is that we are to roll our cares and needs concerning our work onto God. Whatever your concerns are in your work you have to roll them over to the Lord because they are too heavy for you to carry on your own. No matter the circumstances you are facing do your work trusting in God’s goodness and righteousness to see you through.

5. Proverbs 20:23 – “Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD,  And dishonest scales are not good.”

Sin always looks like it will work in our favor or we wouldn’t do it. Yet, it always exacts a price. Proverbs 28:22 says, “A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.” Do your work with honesty and integrity. Being dishonest isn’t worth the price; it’s a career killer.

6. Proverbs 22:29 – “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”

Strive to be an expert in your work, be a professional an artisan. You will gain a wide reputation and be respected in the eyes of management and your co-workers.

Our world desperately needs Christians who will do an honest, diligent, skilled days work. This was once called the Puritan work ethic and it made our economy great. More accurately it is a Biblical work ethic and it will work today to bless you and meet the needs of others just as it always has. It will also be a witness that biblical truths work in the real world. Jesus Christ said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).”

When we work with skill, efficiency, diligence, thoughtfulness and godliness it will bring glory to God, good to others and benefit to us. The work place surely needs this kind of person.