Does work energize or drain you? In order to honor God as our Provider, we must worship Him the most where others expect it the least — in our work. The Hebrew word, abad, is actually translated, “work” or “worship” (Numbers 4:39). God designed work to be worship, as if we were laboring for Him (Colossians 3:17, 23). Praising God has always been designed to take place beyond a worship service, encompassing all 168 hours a week, including our work.

In the second characteristic of a wise and generous heart, Solomon noted that we should work in order for resources to come in as God intended.

Work (Proverbs 10:4-5)

God wants us to work hard. Solomon advised, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth?” (Proverbs 10:4). Hard work usually brings a profit; however, we cannot rely on hard work alone.

God wants us to work smart. Solomon continued, “He who gathers crops in the summer is a wise man, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son” (Proverbs 10:5). Our modern day translation is “Make hay while the sun shines.”

When we work hard and smart with a wise and generous heart, we honor God as we serve others.

Whether you are a student, an athlete, a business owner, a volunteer, or an employee earning minimum wage, work hard and smart. Solomon taught, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank” (Proverbs 22:29).

Episode 27: God’s Ins, Outs, Ups, and Downs of Resources, Part 1 from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.