Bible: 5 Poetic Books

Lesson 5: The Book of Proverbs: Teach Me, Grasshopper!

Wisdom concerning WORK

Good work habits lead to success. If we don't care about the work that we're doing, if a job is just a job--then bad habits creep in. We get as lazy as we can to just "get the job done" and avoid being fired. But if we have no pride in our work, that feeling will come across to our clients and customers, as well as our bosses.

This is why it is so important to find the work that you have been born to do. When you take the time to find the right education and the right job to maximize the gifts God's given you, you will find success.

Proverbs 12 11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

[Like my dad always told me, "A good day's work for a good day's pay!"]

Proverbs 12 24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

[And it's not clear who the slave is. If you are too lazy to do something yourself, you'd better be wealthy. You'll have to pay someone else to do it for you...and then there's no pride for you in a job well done. You didn't do anything.]

Proverbs 14 23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

[Even if your work doesn't produce the results you'd like it to, every experience is a learning opportunity. When Edison was asked how depressing it was for him to fail 1000 times before inventing the electric light, he said, "I didn't fail. I found 1000 ways NOT to do it. That's all." What a great attitude. He kept it because he knew what his life's work was: inventor. Are you working hard at something you believe in? Or are you still thinking, "Well, ONE DAY, I'll..." Make that one day today!]

Proverbs 16 26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.

[You need to be hungry for whatever it is that you decide to succeed in. Success won't come if you're not motivated enough to put in the hard work that's required to succeed.]

Proverbs 18 9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

[If you avoid doing something, someone else must bring up the slack. That means THEY can't do something they wanted to either. You have just destroyed a tiny piece of their life because of your idleness.]

Proverbs 22 29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.

[Hard work is NOTICED by your co-workers and your bosses. Why? It's such a rarity nowadays. People rush into work at the last moment and leave work the first chance they get. Our lives have become so busy that without our cell phone, e-mail and other gadgetry, we feel that we can't get through the day. A good, consistent effort will draw positive attention that may lead to greater success!]

Proverbs 27 18 He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

[Look after those who depend on you--both employees and employers. The employees will appreciate knowing that you care about and notice the work that they're doing. The employer will see your dedication and work ethic and think of you the next time promotions come around...]

Proverbs 27 23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; 24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. 25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, 26 the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. 27 You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.

[Life is short. We must always think ahead to care for our homes, families, and careers. It's easy to get caught up making a living, and forget to make a life!]

ASSIGNMENT:

Think of the work that you do, whether it's a job that pays a paycheck or not. How can you do just a bit more, take a bit more care? Are there little extras you could take a bit of time to do now that would make things run more smoothly later? Is there someone who needs a positive pat on the back for the incredible work that they do? Give them the pat today, and then tell them to pass it on to someone they know who needs it. . .

Your writing assignment is to write a thank-you note to someone who is not expecting one from you.

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