What does the Bible say about work?
The Bible treats work as good and God-given, to be done diligently and as service to the Lord. It also calls for rest and warns against making work an idol.
Work predates the fall: God placed Adam in the garden ‘to work it and take care of it’ (Genesis 2:15). Work is part of being made in God’s image, not a curse, though sin made it toilsome.
Whatever our job, we are to do it wholeheartedly for God: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord’ (Colossians 3:23). This dignifies even ordinary labor as service to him.
Yet work is not to become an idol. God built rest into the week and warns against anxious overwork (Psalm 127:2). We work hard, rest well, and trust God — who is our ultimate provider — for the results.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.