18 [Much-Needed] Labor Day Bible Verses

Looking for Labor Day Bible verses for this upcoming holiday?

Throughout the Bible there are verses that encourage us to work hard and to be diligent at the work before us. There are also Bible verses that encourage you to take time to rest and to recharge. God wants us to work  but we also must make time for honoring the Lord and enjoying family life.

Relax this Labor Day by reading the selection of Labor Day Bible verses that I have selected for you.

I also found some Labor Day scriptures that come with warnings of what will happen if we don’t seek to work hard!

I hope to answer questions such as:

• What does the Bible say about laborers?
• What does God say about a new day?
• What are the best scriptures for Labor Day and why?

What Is Labor Day?

Before we read the 18 Bible verses for Labor Day, I thought it would be appropriate to define what Labor Day is.

Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors American workers who contribute to the strength, prosperity and well-being of the country. It is also a federal holiday that marks the official end of summer. People have been celebrating Labor Day since 1894!

Here are 18 Labor Day Bible verses:

These Bible verses will instruct you, encourage you and provide a few warnings! I have used the New Living Translation but if you would prefer to read them in another translation, you can do that at www.biblegateway.com.

1. Exodus 20:8-11:

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”

Taking rest from your work is a command and not a suggestion. You need to rest and recharge so that you can give your best work on another day. God has prescribed it.

You certainly need a day’s break to enjoy the fruit of your labor and to invest in your family and devotional time too!

2. Colossians 3:23

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

This is such good advice! It is hard to stay motivated when work is hard. Try and see the work that you do as a sacrifice of worship to God. Do the best that you can do and ask God to bless it.

3. Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

This verse pairs lovely with the one above, Colossians 3:23. The light that you have inside of you is to show others the glory of God.So as you go about your work, do it to the best of your ability and with a good attitude.

4. Psalm 128: 1-2

How joyful are those who fear the Lord—

    all who follow his ways!

You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

    How joyful and prosperous you will be!

If you put God at the center of everything you do then your labor will be blessed!

5. Matthew 11:28

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

This verse is a good reminder to lay your burdens down and rest.

6. Ecclesiastes 3:22

So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is our lot in life. And no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die.

This is great advice and a quest for us all to find joy in the work we do even when it might be difficult to do so.

7. 1 Corinthians 10:31

 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Another wise word, to do it all for the glory of God. When you have this attitude, it is much easier to do the work before you!

8. Psalm 127 : 1-2

Unless the Lord builds a house,

    the work of the builders is wasted.

Unless the Lord protects a city,

    guarding it with sentries will do no good.

It is useless for you to work so hard

    from early morning until late at night,

anxiously working for food to eat;

    for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Make sure that you invite the Lord to partner with you in the work that you do. God is the source of success in whatever you seek to do.

9. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

This is another encouraging verse to remind us that God wants us to be happy in the work that we do and to then take a break and enjoy the lifestyle that it affords us.

10. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.

There is so much wisdom in the Book of Ecclesiastes! I found these bible verses quite challenging.

Enjoyment in life does not come from possessions or riches but it comes from knowing God and doing the work that He gives us to do with thanksgiving in our heart, whether it causes pain or pleasure.

But verse 20 is very encouraging, it states that when we keep the right heart attitude about the work that He places before us that we will enjoy life!

11. Proverbs 14:23

Work brings profit,

    but mere talk leads to poverty!

These are wise words from Solomon! We will see rewards when we work diligently and do the work. We won’t see the rewards if we just talk about doing the work. I guess these words are giving good advice to someone who procrastinates about doing the work. Stop talking and take action!

12. John 4:34

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.”

Where do you find the strength to do your work?

When you do your work with an attitude of honoring God in it and asking for His blessing in it – you will be nourished! God will give you the strength and vitality that you need.

13. Proverbs 16:3

Commit your actions to the Lord,

    and your plans will succeed.

This is such great encouragement! When you seek God first and ask Him for direction in the work that you do, you can trust Him for a good outcome.

14. Proverbs 10:4

Lazy people are soon poor;

    hard workers get rich.

This is a warning! I shall say no more!

15. Philippians 2:14-16

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.

Here you have some good advice and encouragement from Paul. The world watches you. Don’t forget that you are Christ’s ambassador in the workplace. Take pride in your work and reflect the Lord’s Glory.

16. Deuteronomy 28:47-48

 If you do not serve the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you. You will be left hungry, thirsty, naked, and lacking in everything. The Lord will put an iron yoke on your neck, oppressing you harshly until he has destroyed you.

Another warning! We are called to joyfully serve the Lord. If work is difficult , call on the Lord who can move mountains and fill you with His plans and ask for His help.

17. Galatians 6:9

 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

We are coming to the end of our list of Bible verses for Labor Day and this is an encouraging one! Sometimes I get tired and feel like quitting but then I spend some time with the Lord and He renews my strength.

This is a great verse of hope to cling to. Don’t give up until God opens another door of opportunity and tells you that your current work is finished.

18. John 6:27

 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

This is our final verse to consider as you relax on this Labor Day! This is a verse of encouragement and hope and sums up what our hearts should be yearning for.

We need to have a heart that desires to serve the Lord in the work that He has prepared for us. He knows our needs and He promises to provide. We need to seek Him first, for Him to establish our plans and then to commit our work to Him.

I hope you have enjoyed exploring with me what the Bible has to say about our labor!

Enjoyed these Bible verses for Labor Day?

Find related articles below!

• A Prayer for the Restless Mind [And 3 Ways to Tackle it With God]
• 7 Energy-Restoring Bible Verses About Not Giving Up
• Prayer For Peace of Mind and Sleep