The subject of today’s quote is contentment. While our culture tends to regard honest, hard work as a virtue, is it possible that it’s not? Didn’t Solomon teach us to consider the ways of the hard-working ant, that we should be wise and not lazy? Today’s quote seems to tell us that for all our labor, we will not be satisfied. Or does it?

“All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied.” - Ecclesiastes 6:7 NKJV

As are most things Biblical, today’s quote about laboring for our mouths and not being satisfied, is about the heart. We all have to work to earn a living and support ourselves and our families, and God has promised that he will bless those who serve Him in our work. The serving God part is the key to true contentment.

If we are working only to acquire more and more stuff, if all our labor was for our proverbial mouth, then we may be successful in becoming materially wealthy. However, the Bible teaches us that if this is our intent, then we will never be satisfied in our soul. If all the labor of man was for his Master, i.e. God, then the soul would surely be satisfied. Regardless of our material wealth, we would find contentment.

What do you think?

Related Bible Verses

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! - Proverbs 6:6 NIV

Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer. - Proverbs 30:25 NIV

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him. – John 6:27 NKJV

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? – Mark 8:36 NKJV

Today is Labor Day, a day where many Americans have a paid day off from work. Labor Day was first observed during the Labor Movement in the late 1800′s on September 5, 1882 in New York City, commemorated by a parade down Broadway. It was adopted in many states and then became a national holiday in 1894 under President Grover Cleveland. Labor Day was established as a symbolic day to recognize the strength and cooperation of trade and labor unions. A day to honor workers.

Labor Day according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is completely different. Consider the words of Jesus:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 NKJV

Jesus sends out His invitation, to all those who labor, but it’s not an invitation to march in a parade down Broadway. Along with that invitation is a promise of rest, but it’s not just a day off at a picnic.

The Labor Day that Jesus celebrates is the day that we accept His invitation and by doing so we enter into His rest. And yes, I’m sure there is a party and a parade in the Kingdom of Heaven. As the Bible says: “I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” We should also remember that it is by His labor on the cross that His rest is possible. So, the honor all goes to Him.

Happy Labor Day, I hope you have found some rest.

Our quote for today is from Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a prominent English poet from the 19th century, about a job well done.

Measure not the work until the day is out and the labor done. – Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806 – 1861)

This is good advice for those who wish to live with integrity, doing their work at their best and to completion. It is also in line with Biblical principles that we find in the New Testament. Regarding how we are to do our work, or labor, the Apostle Paul says:

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” – Ephesians 6:5-7

So whether you have a paying job or not, work for someone or work for yourself, or go to school or are retired; whatever you are doing today, if you find yourself in a position of doing or serving, do it as if you are doing it for Jesus. And don’t pat yourself on the back, let God do that for you. And don’t measure the work until the day’s out and the labor is done.

Note that Elizabeth Barrett Browning was married to another famous English poet, Robert Browning.