Definition and Context
Enterprise, in a biblical context, refers to the initiative, diligence, and industriousness that individuals or groups undertake to achieve a particular goal or purpose. It encompasses the qualities of ambition, resourcefulness, and perseverance, often in the pursuit of economic, social, or spiritual objectives. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of enterprise, both in personal conduct and community life.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. The Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31:10-31)
The passage in Proverbs 31 provides a vivid illustration of enterprise through the description of the virtuous woman. She is depicted as industrious and resourceful, engaging in various economic activities to provide for her household. "She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard" (Proverbs 31:16). Her enterprise is marked by wisdom, diligence, and foresight, serving as a model for industriousness and stewardship.

2. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
In this parable, Jesus emphasizes the importance of using one's gifts and resources wisely. The servants who invest and multiply their talents are commended for their enterprise, while the servant who hides his talent is rebuked. "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things’" (Matthew 25:21). This parable underscores the value of initiative and the responsible use of resources.

3. Paul's Tentmaking (Acts 18:1-3)
The Apostle Paul exemplifies enterprise through his tentmaking work. While spreading the Gospel, Paul supported himself by engaging in this trade. "And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade" (Acts 18:3). Paul's example highlights the dignity of labor and the importance of self-sufficiency in ministry.

4. Diligence and Hard Work (Proverbs 6:6-11)
The Book of Proverbs frequently extols the virtues of diligence and hard work. The ant is used as an example of industriousness: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise" (Proverbs 6:6). This passage encourages individuals to be proactive and industrious, warning against laziness and complacency.

5. Nehemiah's Leadership (Nehemiah 2:17-18)
Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem is a testament to enterprise in the face of adversity. He inspires the people to undertake the daunting task with determination and faith. "Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace’" (Nehemiah 2:17). Nehemiah's account illustrates the power of collective enterprise and leadership.

Theological Implications

Enterprise, as depicted in the Bible, is closely linked to stewardship, responsibility, and the wise use of God-given resources. It is seen as a means to fulfill one's God-given potential and to contribute to the well-being of others. The Bible encourages believers to engage in enterprise with integrity, humility, and a focus on serving God and others. The pursuit of enterprise should align with biblical principles, ensuring that it does not lead to greed, exploitation, or neglect of spiritual priorities.

Conclusion
The concept of enterprise in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing personal initiative, economic activity, and community leadership. It is portrayed as a positive and necessary aspect of life, provided it is conducted in accordance with God's will and purposes. Through various examples and teachings, the Bible encourages believers to be enterprising, diligent, and faithful stewards of their resources and talents.1. (n.) That which is undertaken; something attempted to be performed; a work projected which involves activity, courage, energy, and the like; a bold, arduous, or hazardous attempt; an undertaking; as, a manly enterprise; a warlike enterprise.

2. (n.) Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.

3. (v. t.) To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.

4. (v. t.) To treat with hospitality; to entertain.

5. (v. i.) To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.

8455. tothach -- (a weapon) perhaps club, mace
... enterprise, that which thing as it is, substance, sound wisdom, working. From an
unused root meaning to smite; a club -- darts. 8454, 8455. tothach. 8456 . ...
/hebrew/8455.htm - 6k

8454. tushiyyah -- sound, efficient wisdom, abiding success
... to substantiate; support or (by implication) ability, ie (direct) help, (in purpose)
an undertaking, (intellectual) understanding -- enterprise, that which ...
/hebrew/8454.htm - 6k

Enterprise of Gainas, the Gothic Barbarian. Evils which He ...
... Book VIII. Chapter IV."Enterprise of Ga??nas, the Gothic Barbarian. Evils
which he perpetrated. A barbarian, named Ga??nas, [1588 ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter iv enterprise of gainas the.htm

Making Haste to be Rich.
... There is a quicker road to fortune than that, and I am the man to walk in it.
'Enterprise' is the word. Yes, enterprise, enterprise, enterprise! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/making haste to be rich.htm

Christian Stewardship.
... agonies of dying souls were coming peal after peal on every wave of the ocean; that
they must be turned aside from the perilous yet fond enterprise to which ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter ii christian stewardship.htm

Introductory Letter.
... "From the very commencement of your missionary life, cultivate a spirit of enterprise. ...
Shall not the same enterprise be seen in moral and religious things? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dibble/thoughts on missions/introductory letter.htm

Mission Work
... Vincent was delighted, but considering himself unfit to undertake the management
of such an enterprise, he proposed that it should be put into the hands of the ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 5 mission work.htm

The Puritan Beginnings of the Church in virginia ---Its Decline ...
... mariner, Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, had by many months of labor and "many a forgotten
pound" of expense succeeded in recruiting for the enterprise was made ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter v the puritan beginnings.htm

Preface
... Cardinal of the Church of Rome. His connection with the enterprise ceased
with his secession (1845). The Oxford Library was undertaken ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the confessions and letters of st/preface.htm

The Builders on the Wall
... their hands for this good work.". Nehemiah's whole soul was in the enterprise
he had undertaken. His hope, his energy, his enthusiasm ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 53 the builders on.htm

Instructions for Fishermen
... Which, being translated, is this"The same spirit of daring enterprise, which is
a condition of success in secular matters, is no less potent a factor in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/instructions for fishermen.htm

Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution ...
... He had received, he said, at Dieppe two private letters of a discouraging sort;
one correspondent said that the enterprise was to be reconsidered, the other ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter viii knoxs writings from.htm

Enterprise (1 Occurrence)
... work projected which involves activity, courage, energy, and the like; a bold, arduous,
or hazardous attempt; an undertaking; as, a manly enterprise; a warlike ...
/e/enterprise.htm - 7k

Expedition (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) An important enterprise, implying a change of place; especially, a warlike
enterprise; a march or a voyage with martial intentions; an excursion by a ...
/e/expedition.htm - 7k

Difficulty (12 Occurrences)
... n.) The state of being difficult, or hard to do; hardness; arduousness; -- opposed
to easiness or facility; as, the difficulty of a task or enterprise; a work ...
/d/difficulty.htm - 10k

Adventure (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The encountering of risks; hazardous and striking enterprise; a bold
undertaking, in which hazards are to be encountered, and the issue is staked upon ...
/a/adventure.htm - 8k

Achieve (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To carry on to a final close; to bring out into a perfected state; to
accomplish; to perform; -- as, to achieve a feat, an exploit, an enterprise. ...
/a/achieve.htm - 8k

Phoenicians
... The colonial enterprise of the Phoenicians was remarkable for the age, and was only
surpassed in ancient times by the Greeks who came later, the former being ...
/p/phoenicians.htm - 38k

Phoenicia (6 Occurrences)
... The colonial enterprise of the Phoenicians was remarkable for the age, and was only
surpassed in ancient times by the Greeks who came later, the former being ...
/p/phoenicia.htm - 40k

Exploration
... ERA OF SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION 1. Period of Individual Enterprise (1) First Trained
Explorers (2) The Climax of Individual Exploration 2. Scientific Cooperative ...
/e/exploration.htm - 38k

Enters (44 Occurrences)

/e/enters.htm - 19k

Army (401 Occurrences)
... themselves in Canaan. But it was largely through the enterprise of the several
tribes after that the conquest was achieved. The progress ...
/a/army.htm - 76k

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