“In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19)
“But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thess. 4:10-11)
“After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. <...> So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers” (Act. 18:1,3)
“To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure” (1 Cor. 4:11-12)
“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Eph. 4:28)
“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Act. 20:33-35)
“For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. <...> For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness — God is witness. <...> For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God” (1 Thess. 2:3,5,9)
“nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess. 3:8-10)
“Do not hate hard labor or farm work, which was created by the Most High” (Sir. 7:15)
“Better is the worker who has goods in plenty than the boaster who lacks bread” (Sir. 10:27)
“Put him to work, in order that he may not be idle, for idleness teaches much evil” (Sir. 33:28-29)
“I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down” (Prov. 24:30-31)