Topical Bible: Industry: Requisite to Supply: Our own Wants

◄ Industry: Requisite to Supply: Our own Wants ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Industry, in the context of biblical teaching, is often associated with diligence, hard work, and the responsible stewardship of resources to meet one's needs and the needs of others. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of industriousness as a means to supply our own wants and fulfill our God-given responsibilities.

Biblical Foundations of Industry

The concept of industry is rooted in the creation narrative, where God Himself is depicted as a worker. In Genesis 2:15 , God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it." This divine mandate establishes work as an integral part of human existence, intended for the sustenance and flourishing of life.

Diligence and Provision

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently highlights the virtues of diligence and industriousness. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse emphasizes the direct correlation between hard work and the ability to provide for oneself. Similarly, Proverbs 12:11 declares, "He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment."

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, also stresses the importance of work. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 , he writes, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat." This instruction underscores the expectation that individuals should contribute to their own sustenance through labor.

Stewardship and Responsibility

Industry is not merely about personal gain but also about stewardship and responsibility. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the principle of using one's abilities and resources wisely. The servants who diligently invest and multiply their master's resources are commended, while the one who buries his talent out of fear is rebuked. This parable teaches that God expects His people to be industrious and to use their gifts for His glory and the benefit of others.

Contentment and Balance

While the Bible encourages industry, it also warns against the dangers of excessive toil and the pursuit of wealth for its own sake. Ecclesiastes 4:6 advises, "Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind." This verse highlights the importance of balance and contentment, reminding believers that industry should not lead to anxiety or the neglect of spiritual and relational priorities.

Generosity and Community

The fruits of industry are not solely for personal consumption but are also intended to bless others. Ephesians 4:28 instructs, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This passage emphasizes that industriousness enables believers to contribute to the well-being of their community and to practice generosity.

In summary, the Bible presents industry as a requisite for supplying our own wants, grounded in the principles of diligence, stewardship, and responsibility. It encourages believers to work hard, provide for themselves and others, and maintain a balanced perspective on the role of work in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 20:34
Yes, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 2:9
For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

part i.
... fresh inculcation of economy and industry, flares up ... providing the means of personal
supply and gratification ... current, a strong additional force is requisite. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part i.htm

Six Years in North Bengal --Missionary and Indigo Planter
... Accordingly, with his usual rapidity and industry, we find that ... year: and it will
also be requisite to send a ... The whole supply sent in the Earl Howe, amounting ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter iv six years in.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... without much labor and persevering industry that this ... and furnish him with the requisite
instructions, and ... been made, by individuals, to supply this deficiency ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is ...
... which Mr. Jowett has with so much perverse industry here built ... skill and discretion
in its application,"supply, when applied with requisite skill and ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/vii the essay which brings.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... it by no means impedes or retards our own endeavours; since ... asking we must always
truly feel our wants, and seriously ... that they may obtain the supply of their ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we ...
... must be determined by the industry and understanding ... and most unqualified words that
language could supply. ... greater than may well be supposed requisite, on the ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter iv you reply to.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... Some may say, "Our own service is public worship." Yes, in a sense, but not such
as to supersede the Church service. We never designed it should! ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... and how they contemned, slighted, and abhorred their own righteousness as filthy
and insufficient to do them any good. The learned discourses our tinker had ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... speed at our first setting out, what may we expect betwixt this and our journey's
end ... of the mire on that side of the slough which was next to his own house: so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm