Proverbs 24:27 says, “Prepare your work outside, and make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterwards, then, build your house.” One of the implications of this verse is that a young man seeking marriage ought first to secure the ability to provide for his bride. Likewise, 1 Timothy 5:8 says that a man who does not provide for his household has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
Yet for many young men who desire to marry and start a family, who perhaps may even have fixed their heart on winning a particular bride, there is a great concern – can I even get a job? The same concern is echoed by many older men and women – if I lose my present job, can I find another?
There is an undeniable crisis of unemployment in South Africa. In the second quarter of 2026, South Africa’s national unemployment rate rose to 33.6% – a 6% increase in the last 10 years. Youth unemployment (those between 15 and 34 who are seeking employment) stands at a staggering 47%.
However, hidden beneath these concerning figures is a crucial detail for the young man or woman seeking financial independence. Overall graduate unemployment stands at only 12.4%, while the rate among young graduates (under 35) stands somewhat higher, at 19.5%.
This means that a young man or woman who has graduated from university and is seeking employment, has a better than 80% chance of securing work within a reasonable period. An older worker has nearly a 90% chance. The graduate unemployment rates are 2-3 times lower than those for people who only complete matric.
This is not to suggest that simply graduating from university is a guarantee of employment, as many are familiar with. There is a pressing need to address the broader economic factors leading to unemployment, which is beyond the scope of this article. There are also other ways to earn an income, like trade school, or entrepreneurship.
For those who study, it is also important to remember that not all degrees are equal in their employment prospects. Although it does not monitor which degrees are most employable, the Department of Higher Education and Training has conducted a study on the most in-demand occupations.
Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” A young man who desires to be married ought to plan diligently for the future needs of his bride and his family. This must include a diligent study of the areas where he is most likely to secure employment. Proverbs 28:26 “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.”
The decision of whether or not to go to university, and what degree to study, ought to be approached prudently, with wise counsel (Proverbs 15:22), and not simply based on the passions of the heart. Embarking on a course of study, however personally fascinating, which has no employment prospects, may well be wasteful stewardship of the limited time and financial resources provided by the Lord.
Likewise, for those able to secure higher education, this opportunity should not be waived lightly, if the current labour statistics are any indication. This applies equally to a young lady who does not wish to be a burden on her parents forever, or to be a busybody (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12), but working quietly and profitably with her own hands to sustain herself, until such time as the Lord may see fit to give her a home of her own to care for.
Additionally, Proverbs 27:23-24 says, “know well the condition of your flocks … for riches are not forever“. Any man who is responsible to provide for his family, must continually evaluate his ability to do so in the present and in the future. Even a man blessed at present with stable employment, would be prudent to consider whether there is a likelihood of his skills or function being rendered redundant within the near future.
An employee ought to evaluate whether he has the skills/network to secure employment again in the present job market. If not, he ought to follow the example of the ant, who stores up during the harvest so that she might have food when winter comes (Proverbs 6). He must store up now, not only financially, but in whatever skills are necessary to continue providing for his family. For example, the statistics cited above indicate that a man who has not completed a tertiary degree, would be wise to consider whether enrolling in night school would equip him better to provide for his family in the case of a future setback.
Having done all that he can do in wisdom, the young man seeking marriage, and the provider seeking security, are ultimately found in the same position. Commit your work to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3), recognise that the outcome belongs to Him (Proverbs 19:21), and trust in His hand to provide your daily bread (Matthew 6:25-34).
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