A balanced approach to work and rest is emphasized in Scripture, as excessive labor can lead to spiritual exhaustion. According to Psalms, unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain, highlighting the importance of trust in God's provision. The teachings of Jesus, as recorded in Luke and Matthew, caution against accumulating wealth and material possessions, encouraging a focus on eternal treasures instead. Additionally, the letters of Paul and the book of Hebrews remind believers to keep their priorities in order, being content with what they have and avoiding the idolatry of overwork, as God has promised never to leave or forsake them.
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Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved. Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.