Opening Discussion

• What’s the worst job you ever had?

Shortened Version

Read and Discuss

Proverbs 11:1, 16:11, 20:10, 20:23

11:1- Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight.

16:11- Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his concern.

20:10- Differing weights and varying measures—both are detestable to the Lord.

20:23- Differing weights are detestable to the Lord, and dishonest scales are unfair.

• How does honest work honor the Lord?
• What are some ways people try to cheat the system at work or school?
• How might being dishonest at work play out in other areas of your life?
• What is a way you could be more honest with your work?

Read Proverbs 24:30-34

30 I went by the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of one lacking sense.

31 Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined.

32 I saw, and took it to heart; I looked, and received instruction:

33 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest,

34 and your poverty will come like a robber, and your need, like a bandit.

Proverbs 20:13

Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor; open your eyes, and you’ll have enough to eat.

Proverbs 26:13

The slacker says, “There’s a lion in the road—a lion in the public square!”

• What do these verses say about hard work and laziness?
• What are some ways you balance work and rest?
• How can you make sure you aren’t becoming lazy?

Discipleship Questions

• How can doing your job well show others you follow Jesus?
• What is one way you can improve in your work this week?
• Who is one person that you work (or go to school with) that you can pray for this week?

Extended Version

Read and Discuss

Proverbs 11:1, 16:11, 20:10, 20:23

11:1- Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight.

16:11- Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his concern.

20:10- Differing weights and varying measures—both are detestable to the Lord.

20:23- Differing weights are detestable to the Lord, and dishonest scales are unfair.

• How does honest work honor the Lord?
• What are some ways people try to cheat the system at work or school?
• How might being dishonest at work play out in other areas of your life?
• What is a way you could be more honest with your work?
• Why would people be dishonest in their work?
  • What might be a price they pay for their dishonesty?

Read Proverbs 24:30-34

30 I went by the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of one lacking sense.

31 Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined.

32 I saw, and took it to heart; I looked, and received instruction:

33 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest,

34 and your poverty will come like a robber, and your need, like a bandit.

Proverbs 20:13

Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor; open your eyes, and you’ll have enough to eat.

Proverbs 26:13

The slacker says, “There’s a lion in the road—a lion in the public square!”

• What do these verses say about hard work and laziness?
• What are some ways you balance work and rest?
• How can you make sure you aren’t becoming lazy?
• What does Proverbs 26:13 mean?
  • What would be a modern day equivalent of this saying?

Discipleship Questions

• How can doing your job well show others you follow Jesus?
• What is one way you can improve in your work this week?
• Who is one person that you work (or go to school with) that you can pray for this week?

Memorize it!

Proverbs 11:1- Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight.

Prayer TACOS

Thanksgiving- Thank the Lord for allowing work to be a form of worship

Adoration- Spend some time worshiping the Lord

Confess the times you’ve been lazy or dishonest in your work

Others- Pray for someone at your work that could use encouragement this week.

Self- Ask the Lord to help you set the example at work by your integrity.