Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5498 reward  »  5501 reward, human

Honest reward for services rendered is commended. Even though such reward is often deserved, it is not always given.

Reward for services rendered

Payment for work done

Colossians 4:1 See also Genesis 29:28-29; 2 Samuel 19:32-36; Proverbs 13:13; Matthew 20:1-2; Matthew 25:23; Romans 4:4; 1 Corinthians 9:24-25; 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Favour for help received

1 Samuel 17:23-25 See also Genesis 41:41-45; Joshua 2:14; Esther 6:1-3,6-10; Daniel 2:46-49

Unjust treatment and reward

Acts 10:37-39

In a sinful world, good is often unrewarded, or even repaid with evil:

Genesis 29:22-25; Genesis 39:19-20; Genesis 40:23; Numbers 14:1-4; 1 Samuel 25:21; 2 Samuel 15:1-4; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 55:12-14; Jeremiah 38:4-6; John 13:18

Dishonest reward forbidden

Deuteronomy 16:19 In a fallen world there are many opportunities to gain by wrongdoing. See also Numbers 22:7,16-17; Numbers 24:11; 1 Kings 13:7-8; 2 Kings 5:20-24; Job 17:5; Isaiah 1:23; Micah 3:11; Micah 7:3; Matthew 26:14-15 pp Mark 14:10-11; Acts 1:18

Rewarding the undeserving

Romans 12:20 See also Genesis 47:11-12; 1 Samuel 12:23; Samuel 24:16-19; Matthew 5:38-41,44-47

See also

5238  bribery
5347  injustice
5404  masters
5489  rank
5603  wages
5628  work
5798  betrayal
5861  favour, human
5876  helpfulness
6145  deceit
8442  good works