What other Scriptures support the principle of diligent work found in Deuteronomy 5:13? Verse at a Glance “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.” (Deuteronomy 5:13) Work in God’s Design • Genesis 2:15 — “Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” • God’s first charge to humanity involves purposeful, hands-on labor. Work is not a penalty for sin but part of the original, good creation order. The Law Reinforces Diligence • Exodus 20:9 — “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.” • Leviticus 19:13b — “…the wages of a hired worker must not remain with you until morning.” – Fair, timely pay underscores the expectation that people will be working faithfully. Wisdom Literature on Work • Proverbs 6:6–8 — “Go to the ant, O sluggard; observe its ways and be wise! … it prepares its provisions in summer.” • Proverbs 10:4 — “Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches.” • Proverbs 12:11 — “He who works his land will have plenty of bread, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.” • Proverbs 22:29 — “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” • Ecclesiastes 9:10 — “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might…” – Wisdom books tie diligence to provision, honor, and stewardship. Christ’s Example and Teaching • John 5:17 — “My Father is still working, and I also am working.” – The Son mirrors the Father’s ongoing, purposeful activity, setting a pattern for believers. Apostolic Instructions • Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 — “…work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 — “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” • Ephesians 4:28 — “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one in need.” – The early church linked diligent labor to witness, self-sufficiency, and generosity. Blessings Flowing from Diligence • Provision — Proverbs 13:4, 14:23 • Influence — Proverbs 22:29 • Witness — 1 Peter 2:12 (good deeds observed by outsiders) • Sharing — Ephesians 4:28 Putting It All Together From Creation through the Law, Wisdom books, the ministry of Christ, and apostolic teaching, Scripture consistently upholds diligent, responsible labor. Working wholeheartedly honors God, provides for needs, enables generosity, and displays a compelling testimony to the watching world. |
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