THE TWENTY-SECOND DAY OF MAY IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN.
A law student has been offered an entry-level position with a large firm. The position carries a lucrative salary but requires its holder to bill 60-80 hours of work each week. The student notes that Proverbs 23:4 advises him not to weary himself to obtain wealth. Does that mean he should decline this well-paying but wearisome job offer?
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God will lead you to a wise decision regarding this job offer if you will honestly evaluate your real-life options in light of four biblical principles, in prayer and with much care.
Principle #1 — It is good to be diligent and to work hard, but laziness leads to lack and to ruin.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might . . .” (Eccl. 9:10).
“Do your work heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).
Principle #2 — Work cannot provide ultimate personal fulfillment.
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for God gives to his beloved even in his sleep” (Psalm 127:2).
Principle #3 — Whatever the endeavor, success is God’s gift.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
Principle #4 — God provides for his people’s needs, usually through their work, but we trust in God and not in our work.
“Therefore do not be anxious . . . for your heavenly Father knows [w]hat you need . . . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well (Matt. 6:31-33).”
These and other biblical principles enable us to set faith-based priorities and to adjust our perspectives. When undertaking either task, one needs to take into account such practical realities as one’s stage of life, family circumstances, debts, other income and the like. If married, spouses must always seek unanimity on money matters. If you reach different conclusions, keep asking God to guide your path until you both are of one mind. Steer your life by biblical principles and you will make wise decisions that honor God and bless you.