I’d like to share a little advice about work, which is somewhat ironic because during my High School years, I labored at a fast-food place.  I quit that same job 5 times and was fired 4 times.  So, what do I know about work?  

Well I eventually transitioned from a rotten teen to a respected employee with a much-improved work ethic – which brings me to my concern. 

Some among us have come to believe, that no one ever loses.  Everyone gets a trophy so don’t break a sweat trying.  It’s pointless when in the end, we all win!

The problem is this – we eventually grow up to face the harsh reality of a world that rewards the one who works hard and overlooks the one who doesn’t.   It is a system where the motivated prevail over the mediocre.

In this life, hard work is almost always necessary to success. 

There are countless proverbs in the Bible that advocate diligent hard work.  Now a proverb from any source is a proposition which is generally true.  But there are occasional exceptions.  

For instance, an heir to a fortune didn’t work hard to get it.   But it is usually true that diligent, hard work leads to success at any time in and in any culture.  

So, what does the book of Proverbs say about work?    

Proverbs 12:24, “The diligent person will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.”   This is a reminder that some of us grow up to become managers, while others to be managed.  The difference has to do with how diligently we work.       

Proverbs 14:23 says, “In all hard work there is profit, but merely talking about it only brings poverty.”  According to Solomon the author, every job has its own reward.   Therefore, every job is worth doing well.  Some refuse a job they regard as beneath their dignity.  According to this proverb, such a mindset leads to poverty.

Another one!  Proverbs 22:29 “You have seen a person skilled in his work—he will take his position before kings; he will not take his position before obscure people.”   The proverb tells us that the person who works hard to hone their skills will be noticed.   They will employ their services in the upper crust of society. 

Joseph of the Old Testament had a work ethic worthy of consideration.

As a young boy he was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery.  After licking his wounds, he chose to apply himself, work hard and become the best slave he could be.   

He had every reason to be angry and bitter but chose instead to do his very best for the master who bought him.  His initiative was recognized, and he advanced through the ranks of servitude until his master put him completely in charge of his entire estate.  (Genesis 39:3-6)

Unfortunately, the boss’ wife done him in, and Joseph found himself in a worse spot – an Egyptian prison cell.  But even there, he chose to apply himself and work hard as an enterprising inmate. 

His diligence was noticed, and he was promoted through the penal system and put in charge of the whole joint. (Genesis 39:22) A prisoner in charge of the prison.  How crazy is that? 

Then his prison record was reviewed by the Pharaoh of Egypt.  Joseph impressed him with his wisdom and skill.  The king, therefore, freed Joseph and made him second in command of the Empire.  (Genesis 41:38-40)

By God’s grace and Joseph’s hard work ethic he rose to the very top!  

Maybe you have a job.  If so… 1) Give it your best effort and attitude.  2) Gather some pointers from someone who is already good at it.  3) and keep at it even when you are ready to quit.  (In other words, please ignore my previous fast-food fiasco.)

A PRAYER: Lord help us tackle even the goofy jobs with a Joseph attitude.

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Scripture references are from the NETBible ®