Topical Bible: Industry: Required of Man After the Fall

◄ Industry: Required of Man After the Fall ►

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Introduction

The concept of industry, understood as diligent and productive labor, finds its roots in the biblical narrative of the Fall of Man. After Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, God ordained labor as a necessary part of human existence. This entry explores the biblical basis for industry as a divine requirement following the Fall, examining relevant scriptural passages and their implications for human life and society.

Biblical Foundation

The requirement of industry is first introduced in Genesis 3:17-19, where God pronounces judgment upon Adam after the Fall:

"To Adam He said, 'Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.'" (Genesis 3:17-19)

This passage establishes labor as a fundamental aspect of human life post-Fall. The ground is cursed, and humanity must now engage in toil to sustain itself. The introduction of "thorns and thistles" signifies the challenges and obstacles inherent in labor, emphasizing the need for perseverance and industriousness.

Theological Implications

The requirement of industry serves several theological purposes. Firstly, it acts as a reminder of humanity's fallen state and the consequences of sin. The laborious nature of work reflects the brokenness of creation and the need for redemption. Secondly, industry is a means through which humans participate in God's creative work. By cultivating the earth and producing goods, people reflect the image of God as Creator, albeit in a limited and fallen capacity.

Industry in the Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible further underscores the value of industry. Proverbs frequently contrasts the diligent with the sluggard, highlighting the benefits of hard work:

"The soul of the sluggard craves yet gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." (Proverbs 13:4)

"Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer; she gathers her food at harvest." (Proverbs 6:6-8)

These passages extol the virtues of diligence and foresight, encouraging believers to emulate the industriousness of the ant. The wisdom literature presents industry not only as a necessity but as a path to fulfillment and prosperity.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the importance of industry. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the value of work and self-sufficiency. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, Paul admonishes the Thessalonians:

"For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: 'If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.' Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living." (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)

Paul's instruction underscores the expectation that believers engage in productive labor, contributing to their own sustenance and the well-being of the community. Industry is portrayed as a moral obligation and a testimony to one's faith.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for industry, established after the Fall, permeates both the Old and New Testaments. It serves as a reminder of humanity's fallen condition, a reflection of God's creative nature, and a moral imperative for believers. Through diligent labor, individuals fulfill their God-given responsibilities and contribute to the flourishing of society.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 3:23
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from from where he was taken.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved.
... of the medical art, expended their industry in our ... For if the skill and knowledge
required for the ... that as the gratuitous gifts bestowed on man were withdrawn ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 man now deprived.htm

The Society of Friends, or Quakers.
... in simplicity, honesty, neatness, temperance, self-control, industry, and thrift ...
any man, high or low; he was required to Thou and Thee every man and woman ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 107 the society of.htm

The Provinces.
... in their various pursuits of peaceful industry, governed mainly ... the tribute which
the province was required to furnish ... and ill fortune is best for man; I have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter v the provinces.htm

Thanksgiving after Chastisement.
... virtue finds a place only in man's social condition ... same time, how urgently these
were required; and then ... again come to me as before; industry and faithfulness ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxi thanksgiving after chastisement.htm

Book iii.
... keeping of that is dependent on toil and industry, as well ... and not of those things
which are required for daily ... seen this death which is common to man and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers
... but now that they are no longer required the prudence ... You have learning, eloquence,
industry, honesty, but do you so ... that he should begin with one man to build ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/hearken and look or encouragement.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Art, a pattern of industry, [517]420 ... Judge, unjust, parable of, [1429]412; man made,
of his own pardon ... Medicine, skill required to apply it, [1541]358; the end of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Preface to the Present Edition.
... It was in the year 1657, sixteen years after this holy ... will be able to testify to
the industry required for compiling ... Rothaan: What doth it profit a man, if he ...
/.../preface to the present edition.htm

Of the Blessings with which the Creator Has Filled this Life ...
... one might say stupefying"advances has human industry made in ... Man has not been created
stooping towards the earth ... from its adaptation to the work required of it ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 of the blessings with.htm

Making Haste to be Rich.
... With shrewdness, tact, untiring industry, and a spirit that ... on our individual credit,
raise the sum required? ... next morning, early, the unhappy man parted with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/making haste to be rich.htm