What is the status of work and the worker in Islam?

Islam encourages work and earning a livelihood and protects the rights of the worker, drawing evidence from the Quran and Sunnah (definition). The verse, "And others traveling through the land, seeking of Allah's bounty," refers to those who journey to seek provision. The Hadith (definition), "That one of you takes his ropes...," encourages earning. Furthermore, a severe warning is mentioned for those who do not give a laborer his due: "There are three whose adversary I shall be on the Day of Resurrection: a man who hires a laborer, gets full service from him, and does not give him his wages."