What other scriptures emphasize the importance of hard work and perseverance? Proverbs 31:18 – The Pattern Set by the Virtuous Woman “She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.” (Proverbs 31:18) The verse celebrates disciplined effort that goes on even after dark. Scripture keeps returning to that same theme: Diligence Woven through Proverbs • Proverbs 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant, O sluggard; observe her ways and be wise… she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest.” • Proverbs 12:24 – “The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.” • Proverbs 13:4 – “The slacker craves yet gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.” • Proverbs 14:23 – “There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Whole-hearted Labor under the Sun • Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no work… in Sheol, where you are going.” A New-Covenant Work Ethic • Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” • 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” • 2 Timothy 2:6 – “The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.” Perseverance That Brings a Harvest • Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” • James 5:7-8 – “Be patient… see how the farmer anticipates the precious fruit of the soil… You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts.” • Revelation 2:2-3 – “I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance… you have persevered and endured hardships for My name and have not grown weary.” Guarding against Idleness • 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 – “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat… we command… to work quietly and eat their own bread.” • Proverbs 21:25 – “The craving of the sluggard kills him, because his hands refuse to work.” Endurance in Trials • Hebrews 6:10-12 – “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work… show this same diligence to the very end… imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” • James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because… he will receive the crown of life.” • 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” Why God Honors Hard Work and Perseverance • It reflects His own character (John 5:17). • It serves others (Ephesians 4:28). • It lays up eternal reward (Matthew 25:21). Living It Out Today • Plan your work, then follow through—“her lamp is not extinguished at night.” • Refuse procrastination—echo the ant’s summer diligence. • Keep eternity in view—“your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” |
    |