In Psalms 126:6 the verse says "He who bears the measure of seed goes on his way weeping; he wbo comes with joy, bears his sheaves." The verse speaks of a person who lives in luxury, wears fine clothes, and boasts, "It isn't proper for me to engage in a profession. I will live off my interest and have an easy life." In the end, he will not have the means to earn a livelihood and his pride will not allow him to tell his troubles to others. He therefore weeps privately; he does not have anyone to take pity on him and help him.

The scripture says, "He who bears the measure of seed goes on his way weeping." "Seed" here refers to lineage and pedigree where the individual considers himself the "seed" of important forebears. He "bears the measure of seed" considering it beneath his dignity to engage in a profession or trade. The verse continues to indicate that in the end he "goes on his way weeping."

Then there is a person who is accustomed to working. He does all sorts of hard work and "bears his sheaves" on his shoulder. Such a person has joy and blessing all his life and never wants for food. The scripture says, "he who comes with joy, bears his sheaves." When a person carries his sheaves to the market on his shoulders to sell them to earn a living, he will always be satisfied and happy.

- Yesh Nochlin

The Talmud teaches that a person who is supported by the work of his hands is very precious in G-d's eyes.

- Berachoth chapter 1; Bereshith Rabbah, VaYetze

- Entire portion taken from Meam Loez Lech Lecha Ch. 4 translated by R. Aryeh Kaplan