Work - Proverbs

Well, first, Psalm 90

vs 17 of Psalm 90 is a request, apparently from Moses, for God to establish the work that the Israelites are doing. Moses is looking for God to bless their work. Well, this is all part of the Mosaic covenant to Israel, so perhaps it is to be expected.

But it does show that, since work is something that is God-given, asking him to bless it is totally within scope. God's favour should rest on his chosen people, and as such why should they not prosper, as a rule? If they are seeking his blessing, anyway.

Then Psalm 107

The psalmist here (in vs 10-12) indicates that God understands the bitterness of labor, and uses it as a device to punish or rebuke those who have wandered from him, in an effort to make them call out to him.

I just have to share Psalm 109

The whole Psalm is just an awesome spite-filled hate-trip, but vs 10-11 are about work - in that whoever wrote this psalm wants the fruits of the work of the wicked to be plundered as part of their punishment for being wicked. It might not even happen to them while they are alive (vs 8-9 basically is asking for God to kill them young). Psalm 128 has the opposite message - if you fear the Lord and walk in his ways, then your work will be blessed.

Psalm 127 is about 50% about work!

Solomon, in his dreary wisdom, points out that work, no matter how hard you do it, is useles if you do not recognise that it is God who is behind every successful venture, behind every job well done. Even the peaceful sleep of one who works hard only really comes from God (well, either that, or God provides to people while they are asleep).

And then, Job

While there are probably a few things we could pull from Job, I'll share 37:6-7 with you - which basically says that God sends snow and rain to interrupt people's work, so that they can focus on God's work. It's an interesting idea. Next time weather stops me working, that's probably how I'll think of it. The time after that? Who knows.

Proverbs

The message of Proverbs on the subject of work is a pretty simple one. Work hard - hard work is good work. Skilled work will be rewarded. Hard work means you get food. If you don't work, you'll die.

Proverbs 24:27 is particularly peculiar. I might think on that one some more. I mean, I can think up any number of things it could mean - but what does it mean?