Success and hard work are recurring themes in the Bible, which emphasizes the value of diligence, perseverance, and reliance on God’s wisdom. The Scriptures teach that while hard work is essential for achieving success, true success is found in aligning our efforts with God’s will and purposes. The Bible encourages us to work hard, trust in God’s guidance, and seek His blessing in all our endeavors. Here are 30 Bible verses about success and hard work, each with a brief commentary.
1. Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of entrusting our work to God. It teaches that when we commit our efforts to the Lord and seek His guidance, He will bless our plans and lead us to success, ensuring our efforts align with His purposes.
2. Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Paul reminds us to work diligently as if serving God. It teaches that our work should be done wholeheartedly, with the understanding that we are ultimately serving Christ, which brings eternal rewards.
3. Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This proverb highlights the value of hard work. It teaches that diligent effort leads to productive results, while idle talk and laziness result in lack and poverty, emphasizing the importance of putting in the necessary work to achieve success.
4. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Paul speaks of the strength that comes from Christ. It teaches that hard work and success are possible when we rely on the strength and empowerment that Christ provides, enabling us to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.
5. 2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Paul advises Timothy to strive for excellence in his work. It teaches that doing our best and working with integrity, especially in spiritual matters, is crucial for being approved by God and achieving lasting success.
6. Proverbs 12:11
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”
This proverb contrasts hard work with chasing unrealistic dreams. It teaches that diligent, practical work leads to provision and success, while neglecting responsibilities in pursuit of fantasies results in failure.
7. Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
The writer of Ecclesiastes encourages us to work wholeheartedly. It teaches that we should put our full effort into our work while we have the opportunity, making the most of our time to achieve success.
8. Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
This proverb highlights the value of skill and excellence. It teaches that those who work hard to develop their skills and perform with excellence will be recognized and rewarded, often achieving positions of great influence.
9. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Paul encourages perseverance in doing good. It teaches that consistent effort and hard work, especially in doing good, will eventually lead to success and reward, urging us to remain steadfast and not give up.
10. Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
This proverb contrasts laziness with diligence. It teaches that hard work and diligence lead to financial success, while laziness results in poverty, emphasizing the importance of a strong work ethic.
11. 1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Paul encourages believers to remain steadfast in their work for the Lord. It teaches that hard work in God’s service is never wasted, as it carries eternal significance and will be rewarded by God.
12. Proverbs 13:4
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
This proverb contrasts the outcomes of laziness and diligence. It teaches that those who work hard are more likely to achieve their goals and find satisfaction, while laziness leads to unfulfilled desires.
13. Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
God instructs Joshua on the path to success. It teaches that true success is rooted in obedience to God’s Word, and when we diligently study and apply Scripture, we align ourselves with God’s will and prosper.
14. Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
Jesus praises the faithful servant in this parable. It teaches that faithfulness and hard work, even in small tasks, lead to greater responsibilities and rewards, highlighting the value of diligent service.
15. Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
This proverb contrasts careful planning with haste. It teaches that diligent planning and hard work lead to profitable outcomes, while hasty decisions and actions often result in failure and loss.
16. Psalm 90:17
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
The psalmist prays for God’s blessing on their work. It teaches that while hard work is important, true success also depends on God’s favor and blessing, which establish and sustain our efforts.
17. Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Paul emphasizes doing everything for God’s glory. It teaches that our work and efforts should be dedicated to God, done in His name and with a heart of gratitude, which leads to meaningful success.
18. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'”
Paul stresses the importance of working to earn one’s living. It teaches that hard work is essential for providing for oneself and others, and those who are unwilling to work should not expect to reap the benefits of others’ labor.
19. Proverbs 12:24
“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”
This proverb highlights the rewards of diligence. It teaches that hard work leads to leadership and success, while laziness results in servitude and hardship, underscoring the importance of a strong work ethic.
20. James 2:17
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
James emphasizes the need for active faith. It teaches that true faith must be demonstrated through hard work and good deeds, as faith without effort is ineffective and unproductive.
21. Proverbs 28:19
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.”
This proverb contrasts practical work with chasing fantasies. It teaches that success comes from hard work and practical effort, while neglecting responsibilities in pursuit of unrealistic dreams leads to poverty.
22. Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
Paul advises believers to engage in honest work. It teaches that hard work is not only for personal gain but also for the purpose of helping others, promoting generosity and a strong work ethic.
23. Psalm 1:2-3
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
The psalmist describes the prosperity of those who meditate on God’s Word. It teaches that success is rooted in a deep relationship with God and His Word, which nourishes and sustains us, leading to fruitful outcomes.
24. Proverbs 24:27
“Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of proper planning and preparation. It teaches that success comes from prioritizing tasks and working in the right order, ensuring that our efforts are effective and well-planned.
25. Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah speaks of the strength that comes from God. It teaches that true success and endurance come from relying on God, who renews our strength and enables us to persevere through hard work and challenges.
26. Proverbs 6:6-8
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
This proverb uses the ant as an example of diligence. It teaches that success comes from hard work, foresight, and self-discipline, as seen in the ant’s consistent effort and preparation.
27. Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God’s kingdom. It teaches that true success comes from seeking God’s righteousness above all else, with the assurance that our material needs will be met as we align our lives with His purposes.
28. 1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Peter encourages believers to use their gifts in service. It teaches that hard work and success involve using our God-given talents to serve others, acting as faithful stewards of the grace God has entrusted to us.
29. Proverbs 20:4
“Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.”
This proverb warns against procrastination and laziness. It teaches that success requires timely effort and preparation, as those who neglect their work will find themselves unprepared and empty-handed when it matters most.
30. 2 Chronicles 15:7
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
This verse encourages perseverance and strength. It teaches that persistence in hard work, especially when done for the right reasons, will ultimately be rewarded by God, affirming the value of unwavering dedication.
- 30 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (With Commentary)
- 30 Bible Verses About Honoring Parents (With Commentary)
- 30 Bible Verses About Bees (With Commentary)
- 30 Bible Verses About Memories (With Commentary)