Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Earnings refer to the income or profit derived from labor, business, or investments. In biblical terms, earnings are often associated with the fruits of one's labor and are seen as a blessing from God. The Bible provides guidance on how earnings should be obtained, viewed, and used, emphasizing principles of honesty, diligence, and stewardship. Biblical Principles on Earnings: 1. Diligence and Hard Work: The Bible consistently highlights the importance of hard work and diligence in earning a living. Proverbs 14:23 states, "There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty." This verse underscores the value of active effort in generating earnings, contrasting it with idleness or empty words. 2. Honesty and Integrity: Earnings should be obtained through honest means. Proverbs 13:11 warns, "Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will multiply." This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing that integrity in financial dealings is crucial. 3. Contentment and Trust in God: While earnings are necessary for sustenance, the Bible cautions against placing ultimate trust in wealth. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "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.'" This verse encourages believers to find contentment in God's provision rather than in material wealth. 4. Generosity and Stewardship: The Bible teaches that earnings are not solely for personal gain but should be used to bless others and further God's kingdom. 1 Timothy 6:18 instructs, "Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share." This reflects the biblical view that earnings should be managed wisely and shared with those in need. 5. Warnings Against Greed: The pursuit of earnings should not lead to greed or the exploitation of others. Jesus warns in Luke 12:15, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." This teaching highlights the danger of allowing the desire for wealth to overshadow spiritual and moral values. Examples from Scripture: · The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): This parable illustrates the importance of using one's earnings and resources wisely. The servants who invested their talents were rewarded, while the one who buried his talent was rebuked. This account emphasizes the responsibility to manage and grow what God has entrusted to us. · The Proverbs 31 Woman: Proverbs 31:16 describes a virtuous woman who "considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard." This example highlights industriousness and the prudent use of earnings to provide for one's family and community. · The Laborer and His Wages (Luke 10:7): Jesus instructs His disciples, "Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker is worthy of his wages." This teaching affirms the right to fair compensation for one's labor. Conclusion: The biblical perspective on earnings encompasses a balance of diligence, integrity, contentment, and generosity. Believers are encouraged to earn their living through honest means, to trust in God's provision, and to use their resources to serve others and honor God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Earning.Strong's Hebrew 3022. yaga -- a gain... earnings as the product of toil. From yaga'; earnings (as the product of toil); -that which he laboured for. see HEBREW yaga'. 3021, 3022. yaga. 3023 . ... /hebrew/3022.htm - 6k 868. ethnan -- the wages (of a harlot) 6529. peri -- fruit 3709. kaph -- hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot) ... Library Lost Earnings "A Fine, Generous Fellow. " Arise, and Go into the City A Changed Life Twenty-Third Day. Benevolence. Acts xix. 21, 23 The Canonical Epistle of St. Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, to St. ... Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who ... The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache The First Theban Empire Thesaurus Earnings (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Earning. Multi-Version Concordance Earnings (6 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 23:18 You shall ... /e/earnings.htm - 8k Riches (118 Occurrences) Earns (3 Occurrences) Earning (2 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be a godly wife? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian enter a sweepstakes? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? | GotQuestions.org Earnings: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Earnings (6 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 23:18 Nehemiah 5:13 Proverbs 31:16 Isaiah 23:18 Hosea 9:1 Micah 1:7 Subtopics Related Terms |