Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "earned" in the Bible often relates to the principles of work, reward, and the consequences of one's actions. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the value of labor, the ethics of earning, and the spiritual implications of what is earned in both material and spiritual contexts.
Work and LaborThe Bible consistently affirms the dignity and necessity of work. In
Genesis 2:15, God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to "work it and take care of it," establishing work as part of the divine order. The Book of Proverbs frequently highlights the virtues of diligence and hard work.
Proverbs 14:23 states, "In all hard work there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." This underscores the principle that effort and labor are rewarded with tangible benefits.
Earnings and RewardThe New Testament also addresses the concept of earning, particularly in the context of fair wages and just compensation. In
Luke 10:7, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker is worthy of his wages." This teaching emphasizes the right of workers to receive what they have earned, reflecting a broader biblical ethic of justice and fairness in economic transactions.
Spiritual EarningsWhile the Bible acknowledges the importance of material earnings, it places a greater emphasis on spiritual rewards. In
Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus advises, "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." This passage highlights the transient nature of earthly earnings compared to the eternal value of spiritual investments.
Consequences of ActionsThe principle of reaping what one has sown is a recurring theme in Scripture.
Galatians 6:7-8 warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This passage illustrates the moral and spiritual consequences of one's actions, emphasizing that what is earned through one's life choices has eternal significance.
Grace and Unmerited FavorWhile the Bible speaks of earning in terms of work and reward, it also profoundly teaches about grace—God's unmerited favor.
Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This highlights the distinction between what is earned through human effort and what is received as a gift from God, underscoring the foundational Christian belief that salvation cannot be earned but is granted through faith in Jesus Christ.
In summary, the biblical concept of "earned" encompasses both the practical aspects of work and reward and the deeper spiritual truths about grace and eternal consequences. The Scriptures encourage diligence and fairness in earthly endeavors while pointing to the ultimate value of spiritual pursuits and the unearned gift of salvation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Earn.
Strong's Hebrew
6089a. etseb -- a hurt, pain, toil... Word Origin from atsab Definition a hurt, pain, toil NASB Word Usage hard-
earned goods (1), harsh (1), labor (1), pain (1), painful labors (1), sorrow (1).
...Library
Whether it Belongs to a Liberal Man Chiefly to Give?
... iv, 1) that "those who have notearned money, but have received the moneyearned
by others, spend it more liberally, because they have not experienced the want...
Faith the Sole Saving Act.
... can show a clean record, from the beginning to the end of his existence, the statute
says to him, "Well done," and gives him the reward which he hasearned....
Psalm XLVII.
... For theyearned to be devoured by beasts; we to be crowned by Angels. For we
acknowledge the humility of our Lord, and of it are not ashamed....
Lost Earnings
... The man hadearned his wages, and then let what he had won by toil slip through
holes in the bag into which he put it.... The wages wereearned, but lost....
Introduction
... They haveearned a reputation, and that reputation adheres to them: they
are cold and uninspiring. Such is their reputation, not...
The Benefit to the Souls of the Dead from the Sacraments and Alms...
... But these services are of advantage only to those who during their lives have
earned such merit, that services of this kind can help them....
The Grace of God is Clearly and Remarkably Displayed in Raising...
... For what merit had the human nature in the man Christearned, that it should in
this unparalleled way be taken up into the unity of the person of the only Son...
Of the Union through Means
... and separately"more or less according as he is worthy of it and can lay hold of
it"the loftiness of His glory and honour which He alone hasearned by the...
Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination
... Some have said that the effect of predestination is ordained for us beforehand,
on account of merits alreadyearned in a previous life....
Whether Temporal Goods Can be Merited
... And it came to pass, because the mid wives feared God, that he made them houses,"
and the gloss by Gregory says: "their good will might haveearned the reward...
Thesaurus
Earned (6 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Earn. Multi-Version Concordance
Earned (6 Occurrences). Matthew
5:46 For if you love only those who love you, what reward have you
earned?
...Honestly-earned (1 Occurrence)
Honestly-earned. Honestly, Honestly-earned. Honesty . Multi-Version
Concordance Honestly-earned (1 Occurrence). 2 Thessalonians...
Earn (6 Occurrences)
... of that sort our injunction--and our command by the authority of the Lord Jesus
Christ--is that they are to work quietly and eat their own honestly-earned bread...
Earning (2 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Earn. 2. (n.) That which isearned; wages gained by work or services;
moneyearned; -- used commonly in the plural. Multi-Version Concordance...
Hire (48 Occurrences)
... ethnan. It is rather a gift (from root nathan, "to give") than a wage
earned by labor, and is used uniformly in a bad sense. It...
Honesty (4 Occurrences)
Honestly (8 Occurrences)
Hard-earned (1 Occurrence)
Hard-earned. Hard-drinking, Hard-earned. Harden . Multi-Version
Concordance Hard-earned (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 5:10...
Quietly (30 Occurrences)
... of that sort our injunction--and our command by the authority of the Lord Jesus
Christ--is that they are to work quietly and eat their own honestly-earned bread...
Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? | GotQuestions.orgWhat expertise does GotQuestions.org possess? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that salvation is by grace through faith? | GotQuestions.orgEarned: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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