Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Lawful Business

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Diligence is a virtue highly esteemed in the Bible, particularly in the context of lawful business and daily labor. It is characterized by careful and persistent effort, and it is seen as a reflection of one's faithfulness to God and His commandments. The Scriptures provide numerous exhortations and examples that underscore the importance of diligence in all aspects of life, especially in work and business.

Biblical Exhortations to Diligence

The Book of Proverbs frequently highlights the value of diligence. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse emphasizes the practical benefits of diligence, suggesting that hard work leads to prosperity, while laziness results in poverty. Similarly, Proverbs 12:24 declares, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." Here, diligence is associated with leadership and success, contrasting with the negative consequences of sloth.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul also encourages believers to be diligent in their endeavors. In Romans 12:11 , he writes, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This passage connects diligence with spiritual fervor, indicating that a committed and enthusiastic approach to work is a form of service to God.

Diligence as a Reflection of Faithfulness

Diligence in business is not merely about achieving material success; it is also a reflection of one's faithfulness to God. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "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 reminds believers that their ultimate accountability is to God, and their work should be conducted with integrity and dedication as an act of worship.

The Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25:14-30, further illustrates the expectation of diligence. In this parable, the servants are entrusted with their master's wealth, and they are expected to invest and multiply it. The diligent servants are rewarded for their efforts, while the one who fails to act is reprimanded. This account underscores the principle that God expects His people to be industrious and responsible with the resources and opportunities He provides.

Consequences of Neglecting Diligence

The Bible also warns of the consequences of neglecting diligence. Proverbs 24:30-34 provides a vivid illustration: "I went past the field of a sluggard and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was broken down. I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit." This passage serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how neglect and laziness can lead to ruin and loss.

Diligence in the Early Church

The early church also exemplified diligence in its communal and spiritual life. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early believers as "continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people." Their commitment to fellowship, worship, and mutual support reflects a diligent pursuit of their faith and mission.

In summary, the Bible consistently presents diligence as a necessary quality for those engaged in lawful business and daily labor. It is a virtue that not only leads to material success but also serves as a testament to one's faithfulness and devotion to God. Through diligence, believers honor God, fulfill their responsibilities, and contribute positively to their communities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 27:23
Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ...
... A part supposed that God required this, and therefore they ... rather act wrong than
use the necessary diligence to learn ... who doubt and yet do it, sin against God. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that doubteth is damned.htm

Letter xiii. --To the Church at Nicomedia .
... For this reason great diligence and fervent desire on the ... 2220] For humility and
spirituality required in prelates ... we are persuaded, than the Son of God, Who is ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xiii to the church at.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... of offenses which were more heinous, and required to be ... As to their diligence in
searching up and down for ... Certainly if God punishes sins, he imputes them; if ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

part ii
... The times that Paul lived in required more diligence than ours ... Are there such multitudes
round about us that know not whether Christ be God or man, whether ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/part ii.htm

The Case of Spiritual Decay and Languor in Religion
... Read the Scripture with yet greater diligence, and especially the more devotional ...
Where, O God! ... emotions of my soul, even where prudence and duty required it? ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxii the case of.htm

The Duty of Constant Communion JW
... to those, and those only, who "give all diligence;" that is ... This is no more than
is required of any communicants ... undertook to keep the commandments of God by his ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 101 the duty of.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... Such were the qualifications required in the first deacons ... is to violate the order
which God has established ... it had the appearance of great diligence, and great ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... thus saying intend as if it was lawful to make ... that carried Cain from the presence
of God into the ... put him there upon any carnal worldly business, if perhaps ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Fourth Season,
... requiring our utmost diligence to keep our hearts, is the ... above all fear: "In the
cause of God (said he ... the senate; and if being there, he were required to give ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iv the fourth season.htm

Dedication.
... as our venerated father laboured with all diligence in removing ... as the nature of
his public function required; he collated ... as in the presence of God; he read ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/dedication.htm