Proverbs Speaks into:
1. OUR VIEW OF WORK<
We work to bring Honor to God
Proverbs 2:1-10 CSB – My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 listening closely[a] to wisdom
and directing your heart to understanding;
3 furthermore, if you call out to insight
and lift your voice to understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it like hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up success[b] for the upright;
He is a shield for those who live with integrity
8 so that he may guard the paths of justice
and protect the way of his faithful followers.
9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice,
and integrity—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will delight you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 CSB – Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways know him,
and he will make your paths straight.
We work to provide for our physical needs – and the needs of others
For our needs:
Proverbs 12:11 CSB – The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.
Proverbs 16:26 CSB – A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger urges him on.
And for the needs of others:
Proverbs 21:26 CSB – He is filled with craving all day long, but the righteous give and don’t hold back.
Proverbs 22:9 CSB – The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
We work to make a difference
Matthew 28:18-20 CSB – Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
How we work
With Integrity
Proverbs 16:11 CSB – Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work
Proverbs 11:1 CSB – A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight.
Proverbs 20:23 CSB – Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.
With Diligence
Proverbs 6:6-12 CSB – Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Without leader, administrator, or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest. How long will you stay in bed, you slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit.
With Others Needs in Mind
This relates to how we treat people:
Proverbs 25:11 CSB – A word spoken at the right time is like golden apples on a silver tray.
Proverbs 3:3-4 CSB – Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
This also relates to our generosity: We’ve talked about that already … that even in our workplace, generosity matters.
These Proverbs should shape how we evaluate our work life
Settle:
- WHERE your ultimate reward will be found.
- WHO is in charge of your career path? (And of your workday)
- WHY you will make the career decisions you make.
