Proverbs 14:23-24 - In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

In Proverbs 14:23-24, Solomon observes that there is profit in hard work, but idle chatter leads to poverty. The wise find reward in their labor, seen in the riches that crown them, while fools multiply their folly. This reminds us of many other passages about the value of work versus laziness. We're told the labor of the righteous leads to life (Proverbs 10:16), while the desire of the lazy kills them (Proverbs 21:25). Work is held in high esteem, as we're instructed not to grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9) and to work heartily as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Scripture praises industriousness and warns against idle hands.

The passages referenced clearly extol the virtues of diligent work and condemn laziness and empty talk. As Christians, we must embrace the call to work heartily, not with eyeservice to please men, but sincerely as for the Lord. Our work, no matter how humble, takes on eternal significance when it is offered as service to God. We must flee from idleness, which often leads to temptation and sin. An idle mind is the devil's workshop, so we would do well to follow Paul's example and work with our hands so that we won't be dependent on anybody (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). While hard work and labor are noble goals, we must also avoid making an idol of our jobs and careers. Our worth and identity is not defined by productivity and material success. We work unto the Lord, but our salvation comes from His finished work, not ours. Let us therefore pursue our vocations with passion and excellence, but also rest in the grace of God, who lovingly meets all our needs.

Father God, give us the strength and motivation to work diligently, as unto You. May we find purpose and meaning in our jobs, businesses, and daily tasks. Keep us from laziness, idleness, and empty chatter that wastes time and leads to sin. Help us to work hard but also find our rest and identity in Your Son. In His name we pray, amen.