35 Bible Verses About Play

1 Timothy 4:8

“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.”

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

“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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Philippians 3:14

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Proverbs 21:5

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

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.”

Colossians 3:23

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

1 Corinthians 3:9

“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

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.”

Proverbs 24:27

“Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”

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.”

Proverbs 13:4

“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”

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.”

Psalm 104:23

“Then people go out to their work, to their labor until evening.”

Proverbs 12:24

“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”

Psalm 37:4

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

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.”

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11

“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.”

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.”

Proverbs 31:17

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”

Matthew 5:16

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

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.”

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.”

Proverbs 19:15

“Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.”

Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Proverbs 14:23

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

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.”

Proverbs 18:9

“One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”

Colossians 3:12-14

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Proverbs 22:6

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 13:11

“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Proverbs 20:11

“Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?”

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Proverbs 28:19

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.”

2 Thessalonians 3:12

“Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.”

Psalm 128:2

“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

Proverbs 6:6-8

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

Romans 12:11

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Proverbs 21:25

“The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.”

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.”