• John 5:17
    But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."
     
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
    But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
     
  • Ecclesiastes 9:10
    Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
     
  • Proverbs 24:30-34
    I went by the field of the lazy man,
    And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
    And there it was, all overgrown with thorns;
    Its surface was covered with nettles;
    Its stone wall was broken down.
    When I saw it, I considered it well;
    I looked on it and received instruction:
    A little sleep, a little slumber,
    A little folding of the hands to rest;
    So shall your poverty come like a prowler,
    And your need like an armed man.
     
  • Matthew 25:14-23
    "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, "Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them." His lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." He also who had received two talents came and said, "Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them." His lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."
     
  • Acts 20:35
    I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
     
  • Genesis 2:15
    Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Work Ethic


Resources

Work and Welfare

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh

A strong work ethic is essential, as idleness breeds sin and disorder. God Himself is portrayed as working from the very beginning in Genesis 1, actively engaging in creation and not merely observing. Jesus emphasized this in John 5:17, stating that He and the Father are always working, involved in Their purpose and plan. This …


Created to Do God's Will and Work

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

A strong work ethic is essential for both men and women, as exemplified by the virtuous wife in Proverbs 31, who applies herself diligently and fears God. Her husband is also portrayed as a hard worker and a wise man, demonstrating that mental, spiritual, and physical effort are necessary for gain. Work is not merely a task but …


Why Work?

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus said that His Father has been working continually, setting an example for us to develop a passion for creating, along with tending and keeping.


Magic Doesn't Work (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The desire for magic often stems from a longing for immediate and effortless results, a way to bypass the necessity of hard work. People crave the power to achieve their desires with a mere snap of the fingers or a flourish of a wand, seeking instant gratification without paying the price. This pursuit of something for nothing …


No Work, No Eat

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Both God the Father and Christ provide examples of work, exertion, and industry. To become idle is to deny the faith.


Walter E. Williams (1936-2020)

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Dr. Walter E. Williams was a stalwart champion of free enterprise and capitalism as well as a fearless enemy of the welfare state and victimhood mentality.


Diligence in Practice

CGG Weekly by Mike Ford

One author concludes, 'Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.' This describes our spiritual walk as well.


Are Our Daily Habits Productive?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Some people, by virtue of their daily habits, set themselves up for success, while others doom themselves to staying poor by their unproductive lifestyles.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Work Ethic