June 14, 2026

UNIT 1 Work and Rest

LESSON: 2

Study Text: Proverbs 14:23; 18:9; 23:4-5; 24:27,30-34; Ecclesiastes 1:1-3; 2:4-23; 5:12; 9:7-10; 11:1-6; 12:13-14

Central Truth: A right attitude toward work and rest makes them more rewarding.

KEY Verse-- Proverbs 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him is a great waster. (KJV).

A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

The seventeenth-century monk Brother Lawrence learned a simple way of praying from his heart that he referred to as "practicing the presence of God." Seeing the fruit of this practice in his life, others pestered him until agreed to write down his method. In  his book, The  Practice of the Presence of God, he described how he learned to commune with God continuously--not only in church or during times of personal devotions, but also as he worked in the kitchen, ran errands, or listened to people.

DISCUSSION STARTER--Whistle While You Work

What are some ways to maker work fun or meaningful? _______________________________________________________________________________.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The proverbs in this lesson include general observations about work as well as godly wisdom about having a right attitude toward work. The passages from Ecclesiastes will stretch us to discern which represents a secular perspective and which reflect a God-honoring worldview.

                                           PART 1--Work and Laziness

          Work Smart                                     Proverbs 24:27; 14:23; 23:4-5

As Proverbs 24:27 teaches, having a plan allows us to keep first things first. The wisdom of planning applies to every area of life, helping us remember what matters most when we're choosing a course of action. As with most things in life, balance is needed. Have you ever been in a meeting in which the discussion and debate go on and on? At some point you can even stop caring and want to shout out, "Just make a decision already!" Perhaps the wisdom of Proverbs 14:23 points toward the balance needed. "Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!" Discussion and planning are needed, but at some point, the actual work must begin.  Working smart also means recognizing when we have enough.  Proverbs 23:4-5 highlights the folly of "trying to get rich," since wealth can disappear "in the blink of an eye." Which is more important to leave behind, a temporary inheritance or the legacy of a godly life (Luke 12:16-21)? If we follow the rhythm of work and rest God exemplified and commanded, we may receive both.

? How can planning lead to profitable work that allows for both financial and spiritual blessings?

        Avoid Laziness                         Proverbs 18:9; 24:30-34

Proverbs 18:9 makes the bold statement, "A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things." This passive form of destruction looks to do just enough (or ignore something long enough) that the problem gets passed on to someone else. Proverbs 24:30-34 describes how a wise man observed firsthand the danger and destructiveness of laziness. He saw fields and vineyards overgrown with nettles and weeds and the infrastructure broken down. Derek Kidner points out that the lazy person is not an anomaly, "but, as often as not, an ordinary man who has made too many excuses, too many refusals, and too many postponements. It has all been as imperceptible, and as pleasant, as falling asleep." A willing attitude can make hard work rewarding. As people come to understand and live according to the rhythm of work and rest God intended, they are blessed and able to bless others.

? What is the distinction between rest and laziness?

PART 2--What Makes Work Vain

An Ungodly Worldview         Ecclesiastes 1:3; 2:4-6,11

Ecclesiastes 1:3 sets up a long discourse that explores the value of "hard work." The writer observes that history seems to repeat itself in a wearisome cycle that leaves people unsatisfied and discontented. As knowledge increases, so does sorrow; people eventually realize their efforts are like chasing after the wind. Could the rewards and accomplishments of hard work be the answer (2:4-10)? The reader hopes for something worthwhile to strive for in life. But the writer repeats the refrain that life is meaningless (verse 11). When studied as a whole, Ecclesiastes reminds us to have an eternal perspective, remember our Creator (12:1-7), "fear God and obey his commands" (verse 13). For a person with this kind of viewpoint, the idea that everything is meaningless is tempered by the whole truth. There is more to this life than the natural realm. As Jesus taught in the Parable of the rich Fool, "A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God" (Luke 12:21).

? Why does an ungodly worldview lead to a sense of futility and meaninglessness?

A Lack of Balance         Ecclesiastes 2:18-23; 5:12

• A worldly viewpoint on work can lead to burnout and resentment (Ecclesiastes 2:18). People start to question what they're working for and whether their efforts have any lasting value (verses 19-20). Will I leave something worthwhile behind? Will my successors honor my legacy or destroy it? Some find that "even at night their minds cannot rest" (verse 23). Is all work meaningless? In chapter 5, the Teacher reflects on the futility of riches. Those who have wealth rarely get to enjoy rest, because "those who love money will never have enough" (verse 10). Many see wealth as a status scorecard. To move up the ranks or keep others from overtaking them, they are constantly seeking more, more, more. The pursuit of wealth comes with the anxiety of maintaining it. By contrast, those who work hard and depend on God for their daily needs sleep well (verse 12)
• 
  
• ? Could anxiety about work and wealth be a warning sign that we should examine our attitude about what matters in life? Explain

PART 3-What Makes Work Rewarding

      Enjoying the Results of Your Labor             Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

Some might read Ecclesiastes 9 and think the point is to "feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!" (Isaih 22:13; 1 Corinthians 15:32). Instead, the Teacher is explaining that life has meaning when we live in right relationship with God. In Ecclesiastes 9:7-10, he applies this truth to everyday life. we can enjoy the simple activities of each day when we understand that every single blessing has come from God. Knowing that death comes to all, we strive to "do well" ibn everything we put our hands to (Ecclesiastes 9:10). All of the work we do in service to God is significant, no matter how minor it may appear (1 Corinthians 15:58). How wonderful it will be to one day hear the Lord say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).

? How have you been able to enjoy the results of your labor? 

Trusting God as Your Source            Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; 12:13-14

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 reminds us the urgency of having faith in God all aspects of our lives, particularly in relation to our work. rather than looking for the next get-rich-quick scheme, wise people understand that reaping the benefits of hard work usually takes time. They plan their work and work their plan, trusting God with the results. For believes , this is not a blind leap into the unknown. As we move in faith, God provides wisdom from His  Word and the Spirit leads the decision-making process. In ways we often do not see or could not have foreseen, God supplies all our needs.

? How can we honor God in the way we work and  in our attitude toward work?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

As we consider the wisdom in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes related to work and rest, we see that God cares about every aspect of our lives. We should be grateful to God when we are allowed to enjoy the fruit of our labors; the results are a gift from Him. Let's adjust how we view work and rest so we can experience the reward that comes from living to honor Him.

LIVING IT OUT

Identify areas in which you struggle with laziness and take steps to correct them. (2) Offer a positive alternative when others complain about work. (3) Cultivate an attitude of humble service and strive to honor God and serve others through your work.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

         Monday: Noah's Work. Genesis 6:14-22

            Tuesday: Isaac's Work. Genesis 26:12-18

                  Wednesday: Jacob's Work. Genesis 31:36-42

               Thursday: The Disciples' Work. John 21:1-1

Friday: Paul's Work. Acts 18:1-3

                       Saturday: God's Work in Us. Philippians 2:12-13

RADIANT LIFE

Volume 107 Number 3 Mar. Apr. May 2026

Gospel Publishing House

1445 N. Boonville Ave.

Springfield, Missouri 65802