Contained within chapter 20 of the book of Proverbs are several characteristics of a faithful man. One of these characteristics is that a man will work.
The lazy man will not plow. Prov 20:4
The Scriptures are filled with similar passages encouraging man to work.
Let him who stole steal no longer but rather let him labor, working with his hands… Ephesians 4:28
If anyone will not work neither shall he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
We know very little about Jesus’ growing up years. But being the Son of a carpenter, I suspect He knew what physical labor was.
Proverbs 20:13 is one of my favorite verses. Work. There are few things that I respect more and conversely will cause me to lose respect for someone, than their work ethic. I want to see someone who will roll up their sleeves and put their hands to the plow!
Did you know the “ant” is found only 2 times in all of Scripture? Both of the references to the ant have to do with work.
“Go to the ant you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise…provides her supplies in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8
“The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer.” Proverbs 30:25
Many people might consider work as a curse given to man after the fall in the Garden of Eden. But a closer examination of the text reveals work predated the fall and was in GOD’S original plan of everything good. Genesis 2:15 notes that Adam was placed in the Garden “to tend it and to keep it”.
The faithful man will work.