Diligence in Temporal Matters Leads to Favor
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Scope
Diligence in temporal matters refers to the consistent and earnest effort to accomplish tasks and responsibilities related to everyday life, including work, family, and community obligations. This diligence is characterized by a commitment to excellence, perseverance, and integrity in all endeavors. The Bible frequently highlights the virtue of diligence and its role in garnering favor both from God and from others.

Biblical Foundation
The Scriptures underscore the importance of diligence in various aspects of life, often linking it to prosperity, success, and favor. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse emphasizes the tangible benefits of hard work and the negative consequences of laziness. Similarly, Proverbs 12:24 declares, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor," suggesting that diligence leads to positions of influence and authority.

Diligence and Divine Favor
The Bible presents diligence as a quality that attracts divine favor. In Colossians 3:23-24 , believers are instructed, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage highlights that diligence in earthly tasks is ultimately service to God, who rewards such faithfulness.

Examples of Diligence in Scripture
Several biblical figures exemplify diligence in temporal matters, leading to favor and success. Joseph, for instance, demonstrated exceptional diligence in managing Potiphar's household and later in overseeing Egypt's resources during a famine. His commitment to excellence and integrity earned him favor with both God and man, as seen in Genesis 39:4 : "Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned."

Another example is the industrious woman described in Proverbs 31. Her diligence in managing her household and engaging in commerce brings her praise and respect, as noted in Proverbs 31:31 : "Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates."

Practical Implications
The principle that diligence in temporal matters leads to favor has practical implications for believers today. It encourages a strong work ethic, responsibility, and a commitment to excellence in all areas of life. This diligence is not merely for personal gain but is seen as a reflection of one's faith and service to God. As believers strive to be diligent, they are reminded of the promise in Proverbs 22:29 : "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men."

Conclusion
While the Bible does not guarantee material wealth or success as a result of diligence, it consistently affirms that such a virtue leads to favor and opportunities for influence. Diligence is portrayed as a means of honoring God and serving others, ultimately leading to a life marked by purpose and divine blessing.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 11:27
He that diligently seeks good procures favor: but he that seeks mischief, it shall come to him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... Do thy diligence to come ... it the more; much more is this the case in spiritual matters. ...
Virtue is increased when thou seizest upon it, whilst temporal goods are ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... with them, or are obedient in worldly matters, by which ... subjects, that they direct
all their diligence and effort ... as it often does, that the temporal power and ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... as the controlling judge and rule in all matters of doctrine ... "He that ruleth, with
diligence.". ... Paul is not speaking of temporal rulers, as princes and heads of ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... setting a high example, [1404]219; in achieving temporal, much more spiritual matters,
[1405]ib ... false, [1677]216; the wisdom of the Spirit leads them to ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... this term how Christians, with all diligence, should strive ... would proceed safely
and happily in matters of the ... us everything we need, both temporal and eternal ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... of the laity, to use their diligence to form ... in many instances, injuriously to affect
his temporal and spiritual ... in civil as well as religious matters; and thus ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... As the saying is, "Wealth gives temporal boldness, but the ... and regulates my entire
life, it matters not though ... 2 Peter 1, 10), "Give the more diligence to make ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm

His First Residence in Germany.
... is always too much exercised with matters of a ... O, for greater diligence, that the
day's work may ... relating to their best interests, both spiritual and temporal. ...
/.../chapter iv his first residence.htm

Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews.
... mercifulness, [2936]513; if our friend, temporal things matter ... 450; we trust to in
matters of faith ... unworthy, [3010]476; prevents, our diligence follows, [3011 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the epistle to.htm

Sunday after Ascension Day
... The diligence in prayer which characterized Christians of ... forgives, and so far as
possible mends matters. ... to serve one another by ministering temporal blessings ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday after ascension day.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about education? | GotQuestions.org

I am a Jehovah's Witness. Why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.org

What does Peter mean when he tells us to make our calling and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10? | GotQuestions.org

Diligence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Diligence

Diligence in Temporal Matters Leads to Favor

Diligence in Temporal Matters, Leads to Favour

Diligence in Temporal Matters, Leads to Honor

Diligence in Temporal Matters, Leads to Prosperity

Diligence in the Service of God is not in Vain

Diligence in the Service of God: Leads to Assured Hope

Diligence in the Service of God: Preserves from Evil

Diligence in the Service of God: should be Preserved In

Diligence is not in Vain

Diligence: Apollos

Diligence: Apostles

Diligence: Christ, an Example

Diligence: Cultivating Proper Behaviors of a True Christian

Diligence: Discharging official Duties

Diligence: Figurative

Diligence: Following Every Good Work

Diligence: God Rewards

Diligence: Guarding Against Defilement

Diligence: Hezekiah

Diligence: Honor

Diligence: Illustrated

Diligence: Instructing Children

Diligence: Jacob

Diligence: Jesus an Example of

Diligence: Keeping the Heart

Diligence: Keeping the Soul

Diligence: Labors of Love

Diligence: Lawful Business

Diligence: Leads to Assured Hope

Diligence: Listening to Him

Diligence: Making Our Calling Sure

Diligence: Nehemiah

Diligence: Nehemiah and his Helpers

Diligence: Obeying Him

Diligence: Onesiphorus

Diligence: Paul

Diligence: Preserves from Evil

Diligence: Preserving "The Faith" Through Teaching

Diligence: Prosperity

Diligence: Psalmist

Diligence: Required by God in Cultivating Christian Graces

Diligence: Required by God in Discharging official Duties

Diligence: Required by God in Following Every Good Work

Diligence: Required by God in Guarding Against Defilement

Diligence: Required by God in Hearkening to Him

Diligence: Required by God in Instructing Children

Diligence: Required by God in Keeping the Heart

Diligence: Required by God in Keeping the Souls

Diligence: Required by God in Labours of Love

Diligence: Required by God in Lawful Business

Diligence: Required by God in Making Our Call, Sure

Diligence: Required by God in Obeying Him

Diligence: Required by God in Seeking Him

Diligence: Required by God in Seeking to be Found Spotless

Diligence: Required by God in Self-Examination

Diligence: Required by God in Striving After Perfection

Diligence: Required by God in Teaching Religion

Diligence: Required in the Service of God

Diligence: Ruth

Diligence: Saints should Abound In

Diligence: Seeking to be Found Spotless

Diligence: Self-Examination

Diligence: Striving After Perfection

Diligence: Titus

Related Terms

Diligent (33 Occurrences)

Diligently (85 Occurrences)

Decree (82 Occurrences)

Using (88 Occurrences)

Negligence (2 Occurrences)

Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences)

Endeavor (3 Occurrences)

Business (147 Occurrences)

Province (66 Occurrences)

Darius (26 Occurrences)

Yea (867 Occurrences)

Timothy (28 Occurrences)

Quit (12 Occurrences)

Zeal (45 Occurrences)

Needful (17 Occurrences)

Use (620 Occurrences)

Obliged (4 Occurrences)

Levitical (19 Occurrences)

Leadership (4 Occurrences)

Leads (64 Occurrences)

Lagging (2 Occurrences)

Little (2458 Occurrences)

Liberality (7 Occurrences)

Lifts (26 Occurrences)

Liberal (11 Occurrences)

Govern (21 Occurrences)

Generously (12 Occurrences)

Gracious (106 Occurrences)

Goest (79 Occurrences)

Giveth (378 Occurrences)

Guardest (1 Occurrence)

Greeteth (1 Occurrence)

Workman (22 Occurrences)

Wellspring (3 Occurrences)

Worthiness (3 Occurrences)

Imprisonment (15 Occurrences)

Industry (5 Occurrences)

Issues (8 Occurrences)

Industrious (2 Occurrences)

Imperial (14 Occurrences)

Fervent (10 Occurrences)

Fervor (2 Occurrences)

Flag (30 Occurrences)

Tattenai (4 Occurrences)

Trans (4 Occurrences)

Therewith (53 Occurrences)

Tat'tenai (4 Occurrences)

Treasurers (5 Occurrences)

Timbers (8 Occurrences)

Ruleth (21 Occurrences)

Revenues (7 Occurrences)

Rules (160 Occurrences)

Requires (21 Occurrences)

Realizing (7 Occurrences)

Realize (29 Occurrences)

Executed (39 Occurrences)

Exhorting (13 Occurrences)

Effort (16 Occurrences)

Exhorts (1 Occurrence)

Exhorteth (1 Occurrence)

Earnestness (14 Occurrences)

Expenses (4 Occurrences)

Eunuch (20 Occurrences)

Encourage (34 Occurrences)

Excusing (4 Occurrences)

Exhortation (16 Occurrences)

Excellence (31 Occurrences)

Encouraging (12 Occurrences)

Ethiopian (11 Occurrences)

Defence (48 Occurrences)

Dispatch (5 Occurrences)

Disobedience (49 Occurrences)

Decreed (33 Occurrences)

Dilemma (1 Occurrence)

Displeasure (12 Occurrences)

Meal-offerings (9 Occurrences)

Moral (5 Occurrences)

Prospers (10 Occurrences)

Properly (11 Occurrences)

Diligence in Study
Top of Page
Top of Page