The Value of Labor

Ecclesiastes 2:22

For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

Lazy people is not a modern-day problem, it is an every generation sin problem. Solomon looked at labor as vanity because he never stopped to see the value of it. He despised the fact that what he worked hard to get, others would enjoy the fruit of it and often waste what he worked so hard to get. Solomon understood that many lazy people get what someone else worked hard to obtain, and the lazy person often squanders it because of their laziness.

One trait my parents taught me was to work. As soon as I was capable, my mother gave me chores in the house, and she expected those chores to be done. If they were not done, I was either not allowed to eat until they were done, or I would be spanked for not doing them. The early training to work has followed me throughout my life. Many people call me a workaholic, but the reason I work hard and long hours is because I love the value that labor brings. The Scriptures teach several values of labor I would like to share with you.

First, labor makes you obedient to God. Exodus 20:9 commands, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: You cannot be right with God and be lazy at the same time. Laziness is disobedience; whereas, working makes you obedient to God. You can act spiritual all you want, but if you don't work, you are a disobedient believer.

Second, labor helps you to sleep good at night. Ecclesiastes 5:12 says, The sleep of a labouring man is sweet…. If you are having problems sleeping at night, work harder and longer. You will find the harder and longer you work, the easier it is to get a good night’s rest.

Third, labor makes life profitable. Proverbs 14:23 teaches, In all labour there is profit…. Those who work the hardest in any area of life are those who tend to be the most successful. You will always see that those who are highly successful are those who work hard, and the reason they are successful is because labor is profitable to any area of life. If you want to see greater success, work harder.

Fourth, labor allows you to have food to eat. Ecclesiastes 3:13 says, And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. There is an easy way for you not to have to beg for food, and that is to get a job and work. There should be no beggars in society because there are plenty of jobs that anyone can do. God promises food for those who are willing to work for it.

Fifth, labor keeps you out of trouble. Proverbs 10:16 teaches, The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. The easiest way to stay out of trouble is to work so hard you don't have time to get into trouble. The harder you work, the less energy you will have to run the streets at night. Labor is the best way to turn a troubled person into a productive person in society. You will keep yourself from getting into trouble if you work hard.

Sixth, labor allows you to enjoy great accomplishment. Proverbs 21:25 says, The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Those who work the hardest have the most accomplishments, and accomplishments lead to a fulfilling life. If you want to be able to look back at your life when you get old and see great accomplishments, then be a person who works hard.