Bible Verses About Work — The Complete KJV Guide
The complete KJV guide to work, labour, and doing your job unto the Lord
Discover KJV Bible verses about work and labor. Scripture on diligence, working as unto the Lord, and the value of honest work.
"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." — Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV)
Work is a gift from God, given to us even before the fall. The Bible teaches that our labor should be done with excellence, as service to the Lord rather than to men. These verses encourage diligence, integrity, and a godly work ethic that brings glory to God in all we do.
The complete KJV guide to work, labour, and doing your job unto the Lord
What the Bible says about work
Work predates the fall. Adam is placed in the garden to dress it and to keep it (Genesis 2:15), which means labour is part of the good creation and not a punishment. What the fall added was thorns — difficulty, futility, and toil.
Who you actually work for
Colossians 3:23 reframes every job: whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. That single verse dignifies unseen work and removes the distinction between sacred and secular employment that many believers assume.
Work, rest, and provision
Scripture pairs diligence (Proverbs 6:6-11) with rest (Exodus 20:8-11) and warns against both idleness and overwork. Psalm 127:2 says it is vain to rise up early and sit up late eating the bread of sorrows — provision comes from God, not from extra hours alone.
How to use this page
Read the verses below before your work week begins. Then follow the links to money, purpose, diligence, and rest.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Being a new creature transforms professional identity. In Christ, you're not defined by your job title but by your divine assignment.
Most-searched work & labor verses
Questions answered from Scripture
Laziness & Sloth
What the Bible teaches about laziness, diligence, and the value of hard work.
Gambling
Biblical principles about gambling, chance, and financial stewardship.
Giving & Generosity
What the Bible teaches about generous giving, cheerful hearts, and the blessings
The Prosperity Gospel
What the Bible teaches about wealth, prosperity, and the true gospel message.
What Does the Bible Say About Finding Your Purpose?
Daily Living
What Is the Purpose of the Church?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Purpose of Life According to the Bible?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Diligence in the Bible?
Daily Living
Verses for real-life situations
Starting a New Job
Encouraging scriptures for the excitement and nervousness of beginning a new car
Losing a Job
Scriptures for comfort and hope after losing a job or facing unemployment.
Before a Job Interview
Scriptures for confidence, wisdom, and calm before a job interview.
Entering Retirement
Scriptures for the transition into retirement and finding new purpose.
Working from Home
Scriptures for discipline, purpose, and balance while working remotely.
Bible Verses for Starting a New Job
Motivating KJV scriptures for starting a new job, career change, or first day at
Anxiety at Work
Scriptures to calm workplace stress, anxiety, and the pressure of professional d
Dealing with a Difficult Boss
Biblical wisdom for navigating a challenging relationship with a supervisor or a
Verse collections & studies
Bible Verses About Hard Work
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Glorifying God in Work
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Purpose
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Finding Purpose
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Purpose in Pain
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Being Created for a Purpose
10 curated KJV verses
God Promises to Bless Your Work
Bible promises about God blessing the labor of your hands.
God Promises Purpose in Your Suffering
Bible promises that God uses suffering for His purposes and your growth.
Devotionals & commentary
Hebrews 4:11 Commentary
In-depth study • Labour to Enter Rest
Job 37:5 Commentary
In-depth study • God's Marvellous Works
Colossians 3:23 — Meaning & Devotional
Work
Ephesians 2:10 — Meaning & Devotional
Purpose
1 Corinthians 15:58 Commentary
In-depth study • Perseverance & Purpose
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Commentary
In-depth study • Living with Urgency
Stories, parables & teachings
The Creation
Genesis 1–2 • Origins and Purpose
The Parable of the Vineyard Workers
Matthew 20:1-16 • Grace and Generosity
Jacob Wrestles with God
Genesis 32:22-32 • Patriarchs
The Testing of Job
Job 1-2; 38-42 • Wisdom & Poetry
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Matthew 20:16 • Forgiveness & Grace
The Garden of Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36–56; Mark 14:32–50; Luke 22:39–53 • surrender
Words, places & holidays
Labor Day Bible Verses About Work
KJV scriptures for Labor Day about work, rest, vocation, and finding meaning in
Rest (מְנוּחָה (menuchah))
A settled, peaceful state — the place of security, completion, and dwelling with God.
Sabbath (שַׁבָּת (Shabbat))
The seventh day of rest; ceasing from work as God did in creation
Sign (σημεῖον (sēmeion))
A miraculous act that reveals God's identity and purposes.
Elect (ἐκλεκτός (eklektos))
Chosen by God — selected for a special purpose and relationship.
Servant (עֶבֶד (ebed))
One who serves — a bond-servant devoted to a master's will and purposes.
10 Scriptures About Work & Labor
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."Read in context
Proverbs 14:23
"In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury."Read in context
2 Thessalonians 3:10
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."Read in context
Proverbs 12:11
"He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding."Read in context
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."Read in context
Proverbs 6:6-8
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."Read in context
Ephesians 4:28
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."Read in context
Proverbs 13:4
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat."Read in context
1 Corinthians 10:31
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."Read in context
Genesis 2:15
"And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."Read in context
Reading Plans for Work & Labor
Go deeper with a guided KJV reading plan on work & labor.
New Testament in 30 Days
Read through the entire New Testament in one month. About 9 chapters per day.
Parables of Jesus
Study 14 of Jesus' most powerful parables and discover their timeless truths for daily living.
Ephesians in 7 Days
One chapter a day plus a closing review. Discover your identity and walk in Christ.
James in 5 Days
Practical wisdom — one chapter a day through the book of James.
What Does the Bible Say About Work?
The Bible presents work as a gift from God, not a curse. God Himself worked in creation (Genesis 2:2) and gave Adam work in the Garden before the fall (Genesis 2:15). Colossians 3:23 instructs, 'Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.' Scripture condemns laziness (Proverbs 6:6-11) and honors diligent labor. Whether your work is in an office, a home, a factory, or a field, it can be an act of worship when done for God's glory.
Finding Purpose in Your Work
Every legitimate vocation can be a calling from God. Martin Luther taught that the cobbler serves God by making good shoes, not by carving crosses on them. Your work matters to God when it is done with integrity, excellence, and a heart to serve. Work becomes meaningless only when it is disconnected from God's purposes. Ask God to show you how your daily labor serves His kingdom, blesses others, and develops the gifts He has given you.
A Prayer for Work & Labor
Lord, bless the work of my hands. Help me to work with diligence, integrity, and joy, knowing that I am ultimately serving You. Give me purpose in my daily labor and wisdom for difficult decisions. May my work ethic and character reflect Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Work & Labor in the Bible
Does the Bible say work is important?
Yes. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, 'If any would not work, neither should he eat.' Proverbs consistently praises diligence and warns against laziness. Work is God's gift and a primary way we express stewardship, creativity, and service — all for His glory.
How can I honor God at work?
Work with integrity and excellence (Colossians 3:23). Treat coworkers with respect and kindness. Be honest in all dealings. Use your platform to serve others and reflect Christ's character. View your work as an offering to God, not just a paycheck.
Part of these themed clusters
Browse every related theme on one page.
Related Themes
Scripture Guides About Work & Labor
Explore work & labor through specific life situations
Bible Verses About Work & Labor for Anxiety at Work
Bible Verses About Work & Labor When Starting a New Job
Bible Verses About Work & Labor When Losing a Job
Bible Verses About Work & Labor When Dealing with a Difficult Boss
Bible Verses About Work & Labor for Entering Retirement
Bible Verses About Work & Labor When Dealing with Workplace Conflict
Cite this page
By Bible Sundays Editorial Team · Reviewed August 27, 2026 · How we source
All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version. You are welcome to quote or link to this page — please credit Bible Sundays.
Plain citation
Bible Sundays. "Bible Verses About Work — The Complete KJV Guide." Bible Sundays, last reviewed August 27, 2026. https://www.biblesundays.com/topics/workAPA
Bible Sundays. (2026). Bible Verses About Work — The Complete KJV Guide. Retrieved from https://www.biblesundays.com/topics/workHTML link
<a href="https://www.biblesundays.com/topics/work">Bible Verses About Work — The Complete KJV Guide</a> — Bible SundaysMore on Work & Labor
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Diligence
Bible verses about diligence — KJV Scripture on the theme of diligence with devo
Breakthrough
Bible verses about breakthrough — KJV Scripture on the theme of breakthrough wit
Labor Day Bible Verses About Work
KJV scriptures for Labor Day about work, rest, vocation, and finding meaning in
Prayer for Work and Purpose
Seeking God's guidance and integrity in daily labor.
Provision and Work
Bible verses about provision and work — KJV Scripture on the theme of provision
Laziness & Sloth
What the Bible teaches about laziness, diligence, and the value of hard work.