Great quotes and sayings from the Bible about labor, and the relationships between employers and laborers.
The Bible is full of insightful quotes and sayings about labor, between management and laborers, and other aspects of labor which are worth reflecting.
Whether Labor’s Day is commemorated in modern times or the 12th century biblical past, the sentiment remains the same, that of a fair treatment of laborers by their employers in terms of work compensation and benefits. The following verses provide great quotes for labor.
Dignity of Labor and Value of Laborers
The following quote discusses the value of devoting oneself to a positive task.
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” ~Titus 3: 14
Management and Worker, Master and Slave
When Moses with Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him that the God of Israel wants the people to be freed from the bondage of slavery, Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.” ~Exodus 5: 2-5
In biblical language, the relationship was mainly that of a master to his slave, and a maid to her mistress. In modern times, the more professional term is that of the employer to an employee, or for manual jobs, the more common term is that of a laborer.
“As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.” ~Psalm 123: 2
In Ephesians 6: 5-9 and 1 Timothy 6: 1-2, the apostle Paul advices that the believers in these places should be taught the following: slaves should obey their earthy master with respect and fear, and with sincerity of the heart, just as they would obey Christ. In the same manner, he also tells them that master should also treat their slaves in the same way, and not to threaten them.
Giving One’s Best for Work
A great quotes from the wisdom of Ecclesiastes to a common destiny for all says: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. For in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” ~Ecclesiastes 9: 10
Hard Work and Working Overtime
As Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, he tells the people there that he doesn’t want to be a burden to them, so he tells them, “Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.” ~1 Thessalonians 2: 9
The Need to Rest After Work
In biblical terms, the quote talks about a Sabbath rest for the people of God. In like manner, there is a need to rest after work to re-invigorate a worker’s energies.
“Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” ~Hebrews 4: 11
Payment for Labor and Employer’s Obligation to Pay
The quotes relate to wages or salaries, the payment of labor, as an obligation from an employer, and therefore not as gifts to the laborer. “Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.” ~Romans 4: 4
The quote relates to labor payment: “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk?” ~1 Corinthians 9: 7
The warning is for rich oppressors to treat their laborers in fairness, otherwise misery will fall on them if they intentionally fail to pay the laborers’ wages or not comply with their obligation. “Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.” ~James 5: 4
Readers who find Life Quotations insightful may want to check out Success Quotes and Saying from the Bible, along with Life Quotes from the Bible and Money Quotes from the Bible.
