25 Bible Verses About Working Out (With Commentary)
Physical fitness is important for maintaining health and vitality, but the Bible also emphasizes the value of spiritual exercise and discipline. Let’s explore these verses together and discover how principles of discipline, perseverance, and self-control apply to both our physical and spiritual fitness, enabling us to run the race of faith with endurance and finish well, glorifying God in all that we do.
Bible Verses About Working Out
1 Corinthians 9:24
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
This verse encourages believers to approach their spiritual journey with the same discipline and determination as an athlete participating in a race. It serves as a reminder to give their best effort and strive for excellence in their faith.
Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of diligent effort and the rewards it brings. It encourages believers not to be lazy or rely solely on words but to work hard and actively pursue their goals in order to achieve success and prosperity.
Philippians 2:13
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
This verse reminds believers that their ability to work and achieve comes from God. It highlights the divine partnership between God and His people, as He empowers and guides them to fulfill His purposes. It encourages believers to rely on God’s strength and trust His leading.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse reminds believers that their work should not be driven by the approval or recognition of others, but rather by a desire to honor God. It encourages them to approach their work with enthusiasm and wholeheartedness, knowing that ultimately they are serving the Lord.
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
This verse highlights the importance of honest and purposeful work. It encourages believers to engage in meaningful labor, not only to provide for their own needs but also to have resources to bless and support others who are in need.
Proverbs 13:4
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
This verse contrasts the lazy and the diligent. It emphasizes that those who work diligently and consistently will experience satisfaction and fulfillment, while those who are lazy and idle will never find contentment. It serves as a reminder to remain diligent in our pursuits and not fall into a pattern of laziness.
Matthew 25:23
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
This verse speaks of the reward that awaits those who are faithful and productive in their work. It promises that those who display faithfulness will be entrusted with greater responsibilities and will share in the joy of their master. It encourages believers to serve diligently and faithfully in order to please and honor God.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
This verse underscores the urgency and importance of making the most of the opportunities we have in this life. It encourages believers to give their best effort and energy to whatever task or work they are engaged in, knowing that time is limited, and there will be no more opportunities for work in the afterlife.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse reminds believers that every aspect of their life, including their work, should be done in a way that glorifies and honors the Lord. It encourages them to be grateful to God for the ability to work and to approach every task with the mindset of representing Christ in all that they do.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of surrendering our plans and work to God. It encourages believers to seek His guidance and commit their endeavors to Him, trusting that He will bring success and establish their paths. It reminds believers that their work is not a solo effort but a partnership with God.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’”
This verse addresses the issue of laziness and its consequences. It highlights the biblical principle that those who refuse to work should not expect to reap the benefits of provision. It serves as a reminder to be diligent and responsible in our work and not to rely on others to provide for us.
Proverbs 12:24
“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”
This verse contrasts the outcomes of diligence and laziness. It emphasizes that those who are diligent in their work will be elevated to positions of influence and authority, while those who are lazy will find themselves in positions of servitude and forced labor. It serves as a motivation to work hard and avoid the consequences of laziness.
Genesis 2:15
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
This verse highlights the divine mandate for work, established from the beginning of creation. It emphasizes that work is not a result of the fall but was part of God’s original design for humanity. It reminds believers that work is a God-given responsibility and an opportunity to partner with Him in stewarding and cultivating His creation.
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse underscores the importance of providing for one’s family and meeting their needs. It affirms that neglecting this responsibility is contrary to the teachings of the faith and devalues the significance of caregiving. It reminds believers to prioritize the well-being of their family and fulfill their role as providers.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness as the primary focus in life. It assures believers that when they prioritize God and His ways, He will provide for their needs. It encourages them to trust in God’s provision and not to be anxious about their material wants and desires.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse serves as a reminder to persist and persevere in doing good and fulfilling our responsibilities. It assures believers that if they continue to work diligently and faithfully, they will eventually reap the rewards and experience a harvest. It encourages them not to lose heart or grow weary in their efforts.
Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of careful planning and diligence in achieving success and prosperity. It warns against hasty and impulsive actions, which can lead to poverty and negative outcomes. It serves as a reminder to be intentional and patient in our work, taking the time to plan and execute diligently.
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
This verse reminds believers that all good things, including the ability to work and succeed, come from God. It emphasizes His unchanging nature as the source of every blessing and provision. It encourages believers to acknowledge and give thanks for God’s gifts and to rely on Him for their work and needs.
Psalm 90:17
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
This verse serves as a prayer for God’s favor and guidance in our work. It asks for His intervention in establishing the work of our hands and ensuring its success. It reminds believers to invite God to be an active participant in their work and to seek His blessing and assistance.
Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
This verse highlights the contrast between laziness and diligence. It emphasizes that laziness leads to poverty and lack, while diligence brings wealth and abundance. It serves as a motivation to avoid laziness and pursue a proactive and diligent work ethic in order to experience the rewards of prosperity.
Psalm 128:2
“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
This verse promises that those who labor and work diligently will enjoy the fruit of their labor. It assures believers of God’s blessings and prosperity as a result of their efforts. It encourages them to trust in the faithfulness of God to reward their hard work and dedication.
2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
This verse calls believers to do their best in their work and endeavors, not only to receive approval from others but, more importantly, to present themselves before God as approved workers. It emphasizes the importance of rightly handling and applying the truth of God’s Word in all aspects of life, including work.
Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
This verse emphasizes the value and benefits of skill and expertise in one’s work. It highlights the potential for promotion and recognition when one excels in their craft. It encourages believers to develop their skills and strive for excellence, knowing that it can open doors of opportunity and elevate them to positions of influence.
What Does The Bible Say About Working Out?
When it comes to the topic of working out, the Bible does not specifically mention it in those terms. However, there are principles and teachings in the Bible that can guide us in our understanding of physical exercise. The Bible emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Firstly, the Bible encourages us to have a balanced approach to our physical well-being. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, it says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” This verse reminds us that we should honor God with our bodies, which includes taking care of them. Exercise can be a part of that care, helping us maintain good health and energy to serve God and others.
Additionally, the Bible teaches us the value of self-discipline and perseverance. In 1 Timothy 4:8, it says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” This verse recognizes that physical training has some value, but it also highlights the greater significance of spiritual growth. However, it does not diminish the importance of keeping our bodies in good condition. We should strive for discipline and perseverance in all areas of our lives, including our physical health.
Moreover, the Bible emphasizes the importance of stewardship. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus shares the parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money and expects them to invest and grow what they have been given. We can apply this principle to our physical bodies as well. Taking care of our bodies through exercise and healthy choices is part of being good stewards of the resources God has given us.
It is important, however, to note that the Bible also warns against idolizing physical appearance or becoming overly focused on our physical bodies. In 1 Samuel 16:7, it says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” While taking care of our bodies is important, our inward character and spiritual growth should always take precedence over physical appearance.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly mention the concept of working out, it does provide principles and teachings that guide us in taking care of our bodies. We are called to honor God with our bodies, be disciplined and persevere, and be good stewards of the resources God has given us. Let us strive to find a balanced approach to physical exercise, keeping our focus on spiritual growth and cultivating a heart that reflects Christ.
