Definition and Meaning:
Diligence in the biblical context refers to a persistent and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken. It involves a careful and persistent work or effort, characterized by a steady, earnest, and energetic application to a task or pursuit. The concept of diligence is often associated with virtues such as faithfulness, perseverance, and industriousness.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 12:24 : "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse highlights the reward of diligence, suggesting that those who are diligent will gain authority and leadership, while laziness leads to subjugation and hardship.

2. Proverbs 13:4 : "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." Here, diligence is contrasted with laziness, emphasizing that diligent individuals will find satisfaction and fulfillment, while the lazy will remain unfulfilled.

3. Proverbs 21:5 : "The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty." This passage underscores the importance of careful planning and consistent effort, which are hallmarks of diligence, leading to abundance and success.

4. Hebrews 6:11-12 : "We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully assured. Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Diligence is linked to spiritual perseverance and the assurance of hope, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

5. 2 Peter 1:5-7 : "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." The apostle Peter urges believers to be diligent in cultivating Christian virtues, indicating that diligence is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

Theological Significance:

Diligence is a key virtue in the Christian life, reflecting a commitment to God’s purposes and a dedication to living out one's faith. It is seen as an expression of faithfulness to God, as believers are called to be diligent in their spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, study of Scripture, and service to others. Diligence is also associated with the stewardship of one's gifts and talents, as believers are encouraged to use their abilities for the glory of God and the benefit of others.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, being diligent involves setting goals, making plans, and following through with consistent effort. It requires discipline and perseverance, especially in the face of challenges and obstacles. Christians are encouraged to be diligent in their work, relationships, and spiritual lives, recognizing that diligence leads to growth, productivity, and ultimately, the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Related Concepts:

· Faithfulness: Diligence is closely related to faithfulness, as both involve a steadfast commitment to God and His commands.
· Perseverance: The ability to continue steadfastly in a course of action, especially in the face of difficulties, is a key aspect of diligence.
· Stewardship: Diligence is an important component of stewardship, as it involves responsibly managing the resources and opportunities God has entrusted to individuals.Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
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Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
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Ephesians 4:3
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
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2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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Be Diligent
... 'Seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent.' For what ... is employed in other
places; as, for instance, when the Apostle Paul speaks about being 'found naked ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/be diligent.htm

Of Special Duties of Religious Persons. ...
... over many things which do seem a little amiss, wherein they show great prudence
and also cause much profit to subjects.2. Such being diligent about their own ...
/.../chapter vii of special duties.htm

That the Example of Certain Saints who Seem to have Exercised ...
... [484] The ardour of true zeal resembles that of the huntsman, being diligent, careful,
active, industrious, eager in pursuit, but without passion, anger or ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvi that the example.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... If; by being diligent in godliness, you could grow rich, get honor, or preferment
in the world, be recovered from sickness, or live for ever in prosperity on ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

I Would, However, Proceed to a More Searching and Diligent ...
... 5. I would, however, proceed to a more searching [2486] and diligent consideration
and ... Are not ye my work in the Lord?" Which being proved, he shows that to be ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 5 i would however.htm

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... young men in the most delightful flower of their age, and being eminent for ... Now Solomon
had a divine sagacity in all things, and was very diligent and studious ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... But none of these things could deter Nehemiah from being diligent about the work;
he only set a number of men about him as a guard to his body, and so ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

Acts xx. 17-21
... he says, "lest by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be
a cast-away" (1 Corinthians 9:27); nor the being diligent for one's self alone. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xliv acts xx 17-21.htm

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
... She remembered the duty of being diligent in business, as well as fervent in spirit.
She was a lady of pleasing address, and of a mild and gentle disposition. ...
/.../letter xiii christian activity.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... of our dedication to God, declaring our continued repeated resolution of being devoted
to ... we be serious in the devotions of the day; that we be diligent in the ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

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