Work

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Work

Introduction
The book of Proverbs contains a wealth of wisdom from God, and few topics receive as much attention as work and diligence. Solomon, by inspiration, teaches what work is, what it should look like, and the blessings it brings when done faithfully. This wisdom applies to our physical occupations and our work in the Lord’s kingdom. Throughout history, those who have achieved much have been people of effort and perseverance. In God’s eyes, hard work is not merely a means of survival—it is a reflection of godly character. In this lesson, we will explore the motivations, rewards, and responsibilities of work, as well as the clear warnings against laziness.

The Blessing of Diligent Work

Proverbs 10:4–5 teaches that a “slack hand” leads to poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. God designed us to work—not only to provide for ourselves and our families, but also to help those who cannot work. A wise worker gathers at the right time, while laziness brings shame. How we work affects our influence; a reputation for laziness undermines our credibility in sharing the gospel.

Proverbs 13:11 reminds us that honest labor increases wealth. Even in Eden, God gave Adam work to do, tending the garden. Work is not a curse; it is part of God’s plan for human life. Proverbs 28:19 teaches that tilling your land ensures bread, but chasing frivolous pursuits leads to poverty. Work is honorable and necessary.

Excelling in Our Work

Proverbs 22:29 commends the one who excels in his work, promising that such diligence will gain notice even among the powerful. God calls us not only to work, but to do our best in every task—whether in the workplace or in service to the church. Proverbs 16:26 adds that the hunger of the worker drives him to labor; motivation to meet one’s needs is natural and God-given.

Planning and Stewardship

The plans of the diligent, Proverbs 21:5 says, lead to plenty, while hasty actions lead to poverty. Wise workers think ahead, set goals, and act with purpose. Proverbs 27:23–24 urges us to know the state of our flocks—today, that means knowing our resources, caring for what we have, and preparing for the future. Riches are not permanent; stewardship matters.

The Folly of Laziness

Solomon also condemns laziness in strong terms. Proverbs 19:15 says laziness leads to hunger. Proverbs 26:13–14 portrays the lazy man making excuses—even claiming a lion is in the road to avoid leaving his bed. Laziness often hides behind justifications. Waiting for “perfect conditions” means nothing gets done.

In Proverbs 24:30–34, the neglected field of the sluggard becomes overgrown and useless. Laziness not only prevents gain—it destroys what one already has. Proverbs 21:25 reveals that the lazy man’s own desires kill him, because his hands refuse to work. Proverbs 12:27 describes the absurd picture of a man too lazy to cook what he hunted. Proverbs 19:24 gives perhaps the most extreme image: a man too lazy to lift his hand from the bowl to his mouth.

Work in the Lord’s Kingdom

Proverbs 13:4 sums it up: the lazy desire much but have nothing, while the diligent are richly supplied. The same is true in spiritual work. Church growth, evangelism, and godly living require effort. God commands us to go into all the world, not wait for the world to come to us. Spiritual fruit comes only through diligent labor.

Work – Sermon Outline:

I. The Blessing of Diligent Work

• Proverbs 10:4–5 – Diligence leads to wealth; laziness brings poverty and shame.

• God’s design for work – Genesis 2:15; work existed before sin.

• Proverbs 13:11 – Honest labor increases wealth; dishonest gain diminishes it.

• Proverbs 28:19 – Hard work produces bread; chasing fantasies produces poverty.

II. Excelling in Our Work

• Proverbs 22:29 – Excellence earns honor and influence.

• Proverbs 16:26 – Personal need motivates labor.

• Colossians 3:23 – Work heartily as to the Lord, not to men.

III. Planning and Stewardship

• Proverbs 21:5 – Diligent plans bring abundance; haste leads to loss.

• Proverbs 27:23–24 – Know your resources; riches do not last forever.

• Luke 14:28 – Count the cost before undertaking work.

IV. The Folly of Laziness

• Proverbs 19:15 – Laziness leads to hunger.

• Proverbs 26:13–14 – Excuses and refusal to rise.

• Proverbs 24:30–34 – Neglect ruins what one has.

• Proverbs 21:25 – Desire without effort kills.

• Proverbs 12:27 – Too lazy to cook what is caught.

• Proverbs 19:24 – Too lazy to feed oneself.

V. Spiritual Application

• Proverbs 13:4 – Diligence leads to blessing.

• 1 Corinthians 15:58 – Abound in the work of the Lord.

• Matthew 28:19–20 – Go into all the world; be diligent in evangelism.

Call to Action:

Work is part of God’s design for our lives—both in providing for our needs and in serving Him. Let us commit to working with diligence, planning wisely, and giving our best in every task. Laziness robs us of blessings and dishonors our Creator. In the Lord’s work, may we be found faithful laborers who give our all for the sake of the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

• God commands diligence in both physical and spiritual work (Proverbs 10:4–5; Colossians 3:23).

• Honest labor brings lasting increase; dishonest or lazy gain vanishes (Proverbs 13:11).

• Planning and stewardship are essential to successful work (Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 27:23–24).

• Laziness destroys opportunities, resources, and influence (Proverbs 24:30–34; Proverbs 19:24).

• Spiritual growth and evangelism require intentional, sustained effort (1 Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 28:19–20).

Scripture References:

• Proverbs 10:4–5 – Diligence vs. laziness.

• Genesis 2:15 – Work in Eden.

• Proverbs 13:11 – Honest labor increases wealth.

• Proverbs 28:19 – Hard work vs. frivolity.

• Proverbs 22:29 – Excellence earns honor.

• Proverbs 16:26 – Motivation to work.

• Colossians 3:23 – Work as to the Lord.

• Proverbs 21:5 – Planning leads to abundance.

• Proverbs 27:23–24 – Stewardship of resources.

• Luke 14:28 – Counting the cost.

• Proverbs 19:15 – Laziness and hunger.

• Proverbs 26:13–14 – Excuses of the lazy.

• Proverbs 24:30–34 – Neglect destroys.

• Proverbs 21:25 – Refusal to work.

• Proverbs 12:27 – Wasting opportunity.

• Proverbs 19:24 – Extreme laziness.

• Proverbs 13:4 – Diligence brings reward.

• 1 Corinthians 15:58 – Abound in the Lord’s work.

• Matthew 28:19–20 – The Great Commission.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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