They approve of honest work as its own reward, condemning sloth, laziness, and profligacy. But labor is even more sanctified if its wealth, once accumulated and enjoyed, is then devoted to charitable and public ends. Philanthropy is the logical end of capitalist accumulation, and one of its most important religious justifications. We conclude this section with two versions of the Parable of the Talents, from the New Testament and the Jain scriptures. Though they have different imports, they share in common the theme that a person has the obligation to make the best use of what has been given him.
Work is worship.
When the blacksmith dies, his hand hangs in the world. African Traditional Religions. When the prayer is finished, scatter in the land and seek God's bounty, and remember God frequently, that you may prosper. Judaism and Christianity. He who wishes to eat the honey which is under the rock should not be unduly worried about the edge of the axe.