Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Get The Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” According to Newton’s First Law of Motion, an object in motion tends to remain in motion, and an object at rest tends to remain at rest. Note that this Law also applies to people. In as much as others are naturally driven to complete projects, others are apathetic, requiring motivation to overcome inertia. Behold, laziness, a lifestyle for some, is a temptation for all. However, the Bible makes it clear to our understanding that the Lord ordained work for man, and that laziness is a sin. Proverbs 6:6 says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.”

There is actually much that the Bible says about Laziness and its consequences. Proverbs is especially filled with wisdom concerning laziness and stern warning to the lazy person.

The Biblical book of Proverbs tells us that a lazy person hates work: “The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work” (21:25); he loves sleep: “As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed” (26:14); he gives excuses: “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets’” (26:13); he wastes time and energy: “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great waster” (18:9 KJV); he believes he is wise, but is a fool: “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly” (26:16).

The Biblical Book of Proverbs also list the consequences of laziness: A lazy person becomes a servant (or debtor): “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor” (12:24); his future is bleak: “A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing” (20:4); he may come to poverty: “The soul of the lazy man desires and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (13:4 KJV).

Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

The Bible openly tells us that there is no room for laziness in the life of a Christian. It is true that a new believer is taught that “…it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, a believer can become idle if he erroneously believes that God expects no fruit from a transformed life. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” It is without a doubt that Christians are not saved by their own works, but they do show their faith by their works (James 2:18, 26). Slothfulness is such that it violates God’s purpose – good works.

However, the Lord God Almighty empowers Christians to overcome the flesh’s propensity to laziness by giving us a new nature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In our new nature, we are motivated to diligence and productiveness out of a love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who redeemed us from the power of sin. Our old propensity towards laziness – and all other sin – has been replaced by a deep desire to live godly lives as we can read from Ephesians 4:28: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.”

We are convicted of the need to provide for our families through our labors: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8); and for others in the family of God: “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive‘” (Acts 20:34-35).

Benefits of work for Christians

As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, we know with certainty that our labors will be rewarded by our Lord if we persevere in diligence: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10); “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24); “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10).

We’ve been invited as Christians to labor in God’s strength to evangelize. Here, a good example is Apostle Paul who wrote saying that: “We proclaim him [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:28-29). Even in heaven, Christians’ service to God will continue, although no longer encumbered by the curse (Revelation 22:3). Free from sickness, sorrow, and sin—even laziness—the saints will glorify the Lord forever. “Therefore, my dear brothers, 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” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

How Sin Twisted Work

Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” God created us to work. However, not in a sadistic sense to do His bidding or face His wrath. His purpose for mankind to work was to subdue the Earth and have dominion over every living creature as we can read from Genesis 1:28. In fact, it is a frequent theme across the Bible. Whether you are a pastor, entrepreneur, elementary teacher, construction worker, or a stay-at-home mom, work is deeply rooted in the goodness of God’s creation.

Genesis 2:15 highly supports the fact that work is good and pleasing before God. Behold, Jesus Christ Himself was a carpenter, and his earthly day, Joseph, was a carpenter, too. The Bible tells us that God the Father Himself went to the extent of getting His hands dirty when He made “man of dust from the ground” (Genesis. 2:15; cf. 1:28). If God worked, what more of us? Even today, He is still the one supporting the pillars of the universe.

In reading the different Bible verses about work, we realize that sin has corrupted the desire for the good work we were created to do. In addition, it has made work itself difficult (Genesis 3:17-19). Below are three different temptations that you are likely to face at work:

1. Worship work

The temptation to worship work as an idol is quite prominent in our midst. We are tempted to serve work gladly with long hours, bowing down to its demands despite the destruction it causes us and our families.

2. Twist work

We are often tempted to twist work. Are you feeling inclined to fudge the number on your sales quota? Are you being tempted to receive money under the table to push through a deal? Whatever type of work we carryout, we are always tempted to twist it with sin for one or more reasons. In most case, it is for our personal interest. But it ought not to be so. Jesus Christ came to redeem everything – including work (Col. 1:15-20). That is why whenever we are doing work, we should make sure that it is pleasing to God. Work is meaningless and useless when God is not involved.

3. Reject work

It is without doubt that we are regularly tempted to reject work. We turn to run away from work. We are more likely to embrace laziness: a little sleep, some more sleep, a good nap, more merry, feasting, and rest. Such is the path that leads to laziness. It ought not to be so. It’s high time for us to face it; working is difficult. Of course, you’ll have carefree days, but there are seasons when you’ll feel tired and defeated. Whether we find work too challenging, or are struggling with laziness and worship leisure and rest, we’ll wrestle with a desire to reject work outright.

Biblical facts about work

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ has taken the “thorns and thistles” we work among (Gen. 1:18). Also, He wore a crown of thorns on His head as a reminder that He is the Lord of lords and King of kings (Revelation 19:16). The crown of thorns that was prepared by the Roman soldiers and placed on Jesus’ head with the intent of mocking Him, turned out to be a picture of Jesus Christ as the one true King and sovereign ruler over Heaven and Earth. Jesus came to accomplish a redemption mission. Through faith in Him, our lives have been redeemed. He has delivered us from the penalty and power of sin. In Him, we benefit God’s special gift of Eternal Life. Thanks to Christ, we’ve been saved from the Fire of Hell.

Stephen Nichols says, “Christ through his redemptive work undone what Adam did in the fall. And he restores to us the ability and the capacity to be image bearers as God intended us to be.” In the process of redeeming our work, below are three great ways we’ll find God at work in us and through our work in Scriptures about work:

1. Jesus Christ is our Boss

How do we work for our employers? Do we work for him or her as we work for Jesus? It is easy for our eyes of faith to become glassy at work, and forget who it is that we work for. Jesus may not be your crew leader. In fact, He may not even be physically sitting in an office watching your every move. Likewise, He may not be the one signing your check, but He remains the one you work for. With a deep understanding of this, Apostle Paul said “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). If you happen to find yourself frustrated, angry, or not compelled to do something your employer request of you, take a moment and pray. Seek God’s grace in Christ, and remember that you are working for Jesus Christ.

2. God works through your work

Behold, God is at work in your life and through your life in more ways than you can imagine. Even if you do not instantly see how the work you do benefits others, have it in mind that God has chosen to work through you, your skills, and experiences for the good of others.

3. You can trust God with your work

There are times we feel stressed at work. If you’ve never felt this way, then you’ve probably not worked for long. The workplace has several causes of stress. At work, we have crushing deadlines, conflicts with our co-workers or manager, or not compensated well for the work we do. Regardless of the cause of stress at work, we are free in Christ from anxiety and can fully trust God to meet our needs. God is able to justly work through us despite the happenings around. He never fails His own because He is all-faithful.

12 Wonderful Responsibilities God Has Given To Men

Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Below are 10 wonderful responsibilities that God has given to men. Remember that these responsibilities are accompanied by great blessings.

1. To Work
Genesis 2:15 – “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

2. To be Courageous
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

3. To be Strong
1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

4. To Love
Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

5. To be a Husband
Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

6. To be the Head of his Wife
Ephesians 5:23-24 – “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. ²⁴Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”

7. To Serve Sacrificially
Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“

8. To be a Father
Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Proverbs 23:24 – “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.”

9. To be Compassionate
1 Peter 3:7 – “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

10. To Provide
1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

11. To be Accountable
1 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”

12. To be Honorable
Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!“

Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.“

Proverbs 6:6 – “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”

Proverbs 19:24 – “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.”

Proverbs 20:4 – “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.“

Proverbs 6:9-11 – “How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”

Proverbs 13:4 – “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”

Proverbs 10:4 – “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.“

1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Group 1 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Proverbs 12:27 – “Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.”

Proverbs 21:25 – “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.”

Proverbs 18:9 – “Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.”

Proverbs 19:15 – “Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.“

Proverbs 15:19 – “The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.”

James 4:14 – “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Proverbs 10:26 – “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.”

Proverbs 13:1 – “A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”

Group 2 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Proverbs 10:5 – “He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”

Matthew 25:14-30 – “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. …“

Proverbs 14:23 – “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.“

2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Psalm 50:17 – “For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.“

Proverbs 12:24 – “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.”

Proverbs 28:19 – “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.”

Group 3 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Proverbs 20:13 – “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.”

Proverbs 22:13 – The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”

Proverbs 24:30-34 – “I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.“

Luke 19:12-27 – He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ …“

Group 4 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Hebrews 6:12 – “So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.“

1 Timothy 4:1 – “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,”

Proverbs 26:13 – The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!”

Proverbs 10:4-5 – “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”

Matthew 25:26 – “But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?“

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.“

Proverbs 26:13-16 – “The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.“

ALSO READ Bible Verses About Trusting Your Instincts

Group 5 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

Proverbs 13:3 – “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

2 Timothy 4:2-4 – “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

Proverbs 6:6-11 – “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, …“

Ecclesiastes 10:18 – “Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.”

2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,“

Group 6 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – “And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”

Proverbs 26:16 – “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.”

Matthew 25:26 – “But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?“

James 4:17 – “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.“

Proverbs 30:8 – “Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,”

Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.“

Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.“

Romans 12:11 – “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.“

Group 7 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Proverbs 1:1-33 – “The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, ...”

2 Thessalonians 3:6 – “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.”

Matthew 25:24-30 – “He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. ...”

Revelation 3:16 – “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Group 8 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 – “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.“

Proverbs 21:25-26 – “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.”

Acts 17:11 – “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Proverbs 24:1-34 – “Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble. By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, …“

Matthew 24:21 – “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”

Group 9 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

John 3:1-16:33 – “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. …“

Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”

Ephesians 5:15-17 – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”

Group 10 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Genesis 4:1-16 – “Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. …“

2 Thessalonians 3:11 – “For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.”

Proverbs 28:1-28 – “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. …“

Group 11 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Matthew 24:1-51 – “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. …“

Group 12 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Hebrews 6:11-12 – “And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.“

John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

John 9:4 – “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”

Romans 7:20-21 – “Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.”

John 5:17 – But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

Group 13 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Proverbs 22:14 – “The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.”

Proverbs 26:15 – “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.”

Ezekiel 16:49 – “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.“

Proverbs 31:27 – “She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.“

Ecclesiastes 11:4 – “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”

2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 – “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. …“

1 Thessalonians 5:2 – “For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

Group 14 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Matthew 24:48-51 – “But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

2 Corinthians 12:20 – “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.“

Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Hebrews 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Proverbs 12:11 – “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.”

Proverbs 3:28 – Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.

Group 15 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Matthew 5:1-10 – “Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. …“

Proverbs 15:9 – “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.”

Proverbs 22:9 – “Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”

Acts 17:10-11 – “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.“

John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.“

Mark 11:5 – And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”

Group 16 – Scripture He Who Does Not Work Does Not Eat

Revelation 1:1-20 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood …“

Psalm 119:1-176 – “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! …“

Revelation 3:17 – “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”

2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 – “For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”