Is there any scripture about hard work?

[sedulous_samantha]

Hiii everyone, :wave:

I'm sorry, but yet again I'm having to ask you guys about the bible because I still haven't got one. (I did look, but found that the British versions are in black and white and so I'm going over my options again ;)).

SO, here's the thing. I have exams from now until the last day of June. Really important exams that will decide if Oxford accept me. But, I'm having trouble focussing and working hard, because I keep wanting to read things about Christianity or come on CF. Does the bible say anything about working hard when studying, or in a job?

Thank you! :clap:

[Kelly]

1 Cor 10:31 (NLT) Whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.

I also like the Message version of the same passage:

As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God's glory.

In a sense, work as if your boss was God, study as if God signed your report card.

[Jenna]

Ecclesiastes 3
9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God.


Ephesians 4
28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.


1 Thessalonians 4

11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.


2 Thessalonians 3


Warning Against Idleness

6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[1 (http://biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?passage=2+thessalonians+3%3A6-13&NIV_version=yes&language=english#footnote_941945324_1)] you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
11We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

[sedulous_samantha]

Thank you Kelly and Jenna for your responses! I like the idea of working as hard as I would work for God. And I especially like the "idle" verse - particularly the bit about making ourselves models.

Thank you! :)

[Andry]

Proverbs 12:27
The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

[sedulous_samantha]

WOW!

http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/NavesTopicalBible/ (searchable)
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/NavesTopicalBible/ntb.cgi (alphabetical list)

The above link is called "Nave's Topical Bible". It's an online version of the topic lists that often appear in the back of bibles, with 20,000 topics and sub-topics! So I should be able to stop asking you all things now! :)

[sedulous_samantha]

I love this one:

[NRSV]
Proverbs 14:23
"In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

OH and this one! :clap:

[NRSV]
Proverbs 15:19
"The way of the lazy is overgrown with thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway."

[Kelly]

with 20,000 topics and sub-topics! So I should be able to stop asking you all things now! :)
Don't do that? How will we grow in the Word if we don't ask questions of each other?

[sedulous_samantha]

Hehe I mean I won't have to pester you as much. But now I'll be pestering you with my favourite pieces of scripture - as in the above ^ post!!

I printed the two quotes on 4 x 6" flashcards. I have them in Microsoft Word format if anybody would like a copy (they are very nicely designed ;)).

[Kelly]

i would, it's a struggle of mine (time theft at work posting here on CF!!!)

oxford_gamer@hotmail.com

[Blade]

Well I will be praying for you.

[sedulous_samantha]

Thank you - got my French oral in under 2 hours!

[BarbB]

God bless you and your "work" Samantha! :clap:

[ByzantineDixie]

Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not men.

This has always been a special verse for me. Hope it works for you as well.

Rose

[suzie]

Good verse luthers rose. Just a little tidbit thought I would throw in. When Paul spoke about his fellow workers who "worked hard" in the Lord throughout his letters, the term worked hard meant in the Greek that they labored to the point of near death for God.