Bible Verses About Industry

Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.

Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler,

it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.

Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;

for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.

When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grain from the hills is gathered,

the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field.

You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you— food for your household and nourishment for your maidservants.

The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks;

the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation;

and the lizard can be caught in one’s hands, yet it is found in the palaces of kings.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants.

She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong.

She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.

She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land.