What does the Bible say about labouring in vain?

Psalm 127:1 states, 'Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.' This verse emphasizes that any work done without God's divine intervention and blessing is ultimately futile. This applies not only to physical construction but also to spiritual endeavors like evangelism and church building. In the context of the sermon, the preacher explains that while God may use humans as instruments, the success of these efforts depends entirely on God's grace. The alarming truth is that human zeal and efforts, when detached from reliance on God's guidance, lead to empty labor, ultimately resulting in sadness and disappointment at the last judgment where God may say, 'Depart from me; I never knew you.'