Topical Bible: Servants: Hired: To be Esteemed Worthy of Their Hire

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of hired servants is deeply rooted in the principles of justice, fairness, and the dignity of labor. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on the treatment and esteem of hired servants, emphasizing their rightful compensation and the respect due to them for their work.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the importance of fair treatment and proper compensation for hired servants. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses provides specific instructions regarding the treatment of laborers. Leviticus 19:13 states, "You must not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages due a hired hand must not remain with you until morning." This command highlights the necessity of timely payment, reflecting the value and respect owed to those who labor.

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further affirm the dignity of labor and the worthiness of workers to receive their due wages. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus Himself declares, "The worker is worthy of his wages" (Luke 10:7). This statement, made in the context of sending out the seventy-two disciples, underscores the principle that those who labor, whether in spiritual or secular work, deserve to be compensated fairly.

Apostolic Teachings

The apostle Paul reiterates this principle in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 5:18 , Paul writes, "For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and, 'The worker is worthy of his wages.'" Here, Paul combines a quotation from the Law with the words of Jesus, reinforcing the continuity of this principle across both Testaments. The analogy of the ox emphasizes the fairness of allowing a laborer to benefit from his work, while the direct statement about the worker's worthiness underscores the moral obligation to provide just compensation.

Practical Implications

The biblical mandate to esteem hired servants worthy of their hire has practical implications for both employers and employees. Employers are called to recognize the value of their workers, ensuring that they are paid fairly and treated with respect. This includes not only timely payment but also creating a work environment that honors the dignity of each individual.

For employees, the biblical perspective encourages a strong work ethic, as their labor is seen as valuable and worthy of reward. The mutual respect between employer and employee reflects the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and acting justly in all relationships.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on hired servants and their rightful compensation is a testament to the value God places on work and the dignity of those who perform it. By esteeming workers worthy of their hire, believers are called to reflect God's justice and love in their interactions with others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:7
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times.
... and there the masters are not honoured more than their servants. ... know not God their
Maker, are esteemed by God ... who labour with toil, and from the hired men who ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxii of death and the.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... come, men of foolish spirits, giddy brains, and worthy to be ... the mighty men, there
are bondmen or servants, and slaves ... And if they be in any of their houses for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... this is natural to children; if any wrong them, they go and tell their father; so ...
because that all "which you shall forsake" (2:Cor.4:18), is not worthy to be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Iranian Conquest
... the villages inquiring, "Who wishes to hire us ... mazda: he has duties towards them,
and their complaints, heard ... expiation consisted in "marrying to a worthy man a ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... the Son of God, Jehovah Jesus, and is worthy of HIS ... and mine elect shall inherit
it, and my servants shall dwell ... and fearful, yea, and even men hired to hinder ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm