WISDOM FOR PRODUCTIVE WORK

“The hand of the DILIGENT WILL RULE, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor” – Proverbs 12:24

The Bible has much to say about God’s WISDOM for PRODUCTIVE WORK: “The hand of the DILIGENT WILL RULE, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor” (Pro.12:24). The diligent worker will eventually rule over those with little effort: “Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden” (1Tim.2:25). Sincere diligence cannot be hidden. The diligent will be promoted and entrusted with the responsibility to lead. It is always a poor move to promote the lazy. Moreover, diligence is personally rewarding: “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding” (v.11). Productivity brings contentment and satisfaction!

The notion that our work is service to our Lord should shape every moment of our lives (Col.3: 23-24). We’ve been purchased with a price; we’re no longer our own; but belong spirit, soul, and body, to our God and Saviour (1Cor.6:20). “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1Cor. 10:31). It is important that we work wisely, for God’s Glory, but also for practical productive benefits. Here are three biblical Principles that present God’s Wisdom on how to work wisely and productively. Although we should apply these principles to our jobs, they form only a small part of our work, which includes our home life and services to God and society.

Diligence: “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Pro.10:4). Diligence is constant and earnest effort to accomplish a task; untiring exertion of one’s being; careful and persistent effort. Wealth does not come over night; it takes long-term effort. We all have personal stories of those who demonstrate diligence at work and frustrations of the slack. Besides honouring God, there are practical benefits to working diligently: “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Pro.13:4); “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty” (Pro.21:5). “…Diligence is man’s precious possession” (v.27b).

Resourcefulness: Work should be inventive, profitable, and value-adding. Though we do not work only for money, but we do work for money, to pay bills and put food on the table. In general, those who work harder have more in the end: “The soul of the diligent is richly supplied” (Pro.13:4, ESV). Given that the mass of humanity is filled with people who work hard, but have little to show for it, we are counselled to consider the ways of the ant, who “having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (Pro. 6:6-7). When we work hard, smart, and steady, we’ll not lack the resources we need to live.

Reputation: “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men” (Pro.22:29). This is one who is skilful and has gained expertise through diligent training and practice. Diligence leads to skill which leads to influence. We do not work for the reputation. We work and will get a reputation of excellence or quality that is fitting for the God we serve. A person of reputation is a responsible individual, responsible to himself, society, and his God.

Whatever is the work before us today – designing, preparing a report, teaching a class, leading a meeting, taking out the trash or updating the budget – let’s identify how to perform each task with excellence, with God being the One we want to please. Let’s recognise Jesus as Boss and Source of all Grace: “I am the Vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (Jh.15:5). Work as a part of life should be done with a positive attitude. Let’s be intentional about handling each task, treating others with grace and love, and bringing God Glory!