Laboriousness, as a concept, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is often associated with diligence, hard work, and perseverance. The Bible presents laboriousness as a virtue, encouraging believers to engage in their work with dedication and commitment, reflecting the character of God in their endeavors.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God Himself is depicted as a worker. In Genesis 2:2 , it is written, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work." This passage highlights the divine example of labor followed by rest, setting a precedent for human activity.

Labor as a Divine Mandate

Labor is presented as a divine mandate for humanity. In Genesis 2:15 , God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it." This command underscores the importance of labor as part of God's original design for mankind. Work is not merely a consequence of the Fall but an integral aspect of human purpose and stewardship.

Diligence and Hard Work

The Book of Proverbs frequently extols the virtues of diligence and hard work. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse contrasts the outcomes of diligence and laziness, emphasizing the rewards of laboriousness. Similarly, Proverbs 13:4 notes, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, laboriousness is further encouraged as a reflection of Christian character. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the importance of hard work. In Colossians 3:23 , he writes, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This exhortation elevates labor to an act of worship, done for the glory of God rather than merely for human approval.

Paul himself exemplified laboriousness in his ministry. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 , he acknowledges, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." Here, Paul attributes his laborious efforts to the grace of God, recognizing that his hard work is empowered by divine assistance.

Warnings Against Idleness

The Bible also warns against idleness and its consequences. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 , Paul instructs, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat." This admonition underscores the expectation of laboriousness within the Christian community and the importance of contributing to one's own sustenance.

Spiritual Implications

Laboriousness is not only about physical or occupational work but also encompasses spiritual diligence. Believers are encouraged to be laborious in their spiritual pursuits, such as prayer, study of Scripture, and service to others. Hebrews 6:11-12 urges, "We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully assured. Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

In summary, laboriousness is a biblical principle that encompasses both physical and spiritual diligence. It is a reflection of God's character and a mandate for humanity, encouraging believers to engage in their work and spiritual lives with dedication and perseverance.

From the Two Books on the Promises.
... upon the earth, I have to say, that in many other respects I accept the opinion
of Nepos, and love him at once for his faith, and his laboriousness, and his ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/i from the two books on.htm

Colossians i. 26-28
... to have brought men more senseless than stones to the dignity of Angels, simply
through bare words, and faith alone, without any laboriousness, is indeed glory ...
/.../homily v colossians i 26-28.htm

From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... they commended themselves for the depth and uniformity of their piety, as well as
by the soundness of their doctrine and the laboriousness of their lives. ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm

The Power of Meditation
... thus debarred from giving the early morning to systematic meditation, try to give
an hour at night, and should this, by the length and laboriousness of your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/the power of meditation.htm

Orphanages.
... acquaintance with the working of some of the larger orphanages, and a general knowledge
of others, that they have been managed with a laboriousness, a patience ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xiii orphanages.htm

John iii. 35, 36
... And in this place it is not His laboriousness alone that is shown, but also His
freedom from pride; not merely by His being tired, nor by His sitting by the way ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi john iii 35.htm

The Kingdom of God: Its Tasks
... between the development of capitalistic industry in Holland, England, and France,
and the sober and frugal piety and patient laboriousness created in the ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter v the kingdom of.htm

Christian Morals. Part I.
... To strenuous minds there is an inquietude in overquietness, and no laboriousness
in labour; and to tread a mile after the flow pace of a snail, or the heavy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part i.htm

Rom. vi. 19
... from their wickedness. For let us not be looking at the laboriousness of
virtue, but at the possibility of succeeding in it. But if ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xii rom vi 19.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... Medicine, the result of philosophy and laboriousness, was rendered necessary
for him by his physical delicacy, and his care of the sick. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Laboriousness (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Laboriousness (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians
11:27 in laboriousness and painfulness, in watchings many times ...
/l/laboriousness.htm - 6k

Labors (27 Occurrences)

/l/labors.htm - 14k

Laboriously (1 Occurrence)

/l/laboriously.htm - 6k

Laboriousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus