The term "industrious" refers to a diligent and hardworking attitude, characterized by a consistent effort to achieve goals and fulfill responsibilities. In the Bible, industriousness is often commended as a virtue and is associated with wisdom, prosperity, and the fear of the Lord.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Proverbs on Diligence: The Book of Proverbs frequently highlights the value of industriousness. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse underscores the principle that hard work leads to prosperity, while laziness results in poverty. Similarly, Proverbs 12:24 declares, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor," suggesting that industrious individuals are more likely to attain positions of leadership and influence.

2. The Ant as a Model: Proverbs 6:6-8 uses the ant as an example of industrious behavior: "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 and gathers her food at harvest." The ant's self-motivated and proactive nature serves as a model for human industriousness, emphasizing the importance of preparation and foresight.

3. The Virtuous Woman: Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the virtuous woman, who is portrayed as industrious in her household and business endeavors. Verses 13-14 state, "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar." Her diligence in managing her household and engaging in trade is presented as a source of blessing and honor.

4. New Testament Encouragement: The New Testament also encourages believers to be industrious. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul advises, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we instructed you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." This exhortation highlights the importance of personal responsibility and hard work as a testimony to others.

5. Parable of the Talents: In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, which illustrates the value of industriousness in the Kingdom of God. The servants who diligently invest and multiply their master's resources are commended and rewarded, while the servant who buries his talent out of fear is rebuked. This parable emphasizes the expectation that believers use their God-given abilities and opportunities productively.

Theological Implications

Industriousness is seen as a reflection of God's character, as God Himself is depicted as a worker in the act of creation (Genesis 1-2). Humans, created in the image of God, are called to emulate His diligence and creativity. Industriousness is not merely a means to material gain but is also a way to honor God and serve others. It is an expression of stewardship, where individuals are responsible for managing their time, talents, and resources wisely.

Warnings Against Laziness

The Bible also warns against laziness, which is often contrasted with industriousness. Proverbs 19:15 states, "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." This warning highlights the negative consequences of neglecting one's duties and responsibilities. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul admonishes, "If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat," reinforcing the expectation that believers contribute to their own sustenance and the well-being of the community.

In summary, industriousness is a biblically endorsed virtue that leads to personal fulfillment, community benefit, and divine approval. It is a practical expression of faith and obedience, reflecting a life lived in accordance with God's design and purpose.1. (a.) Given to industry; characterized by diligence; constantly, regularly, or habitually occupied; busy; assiduous; not slothful or idle; -- commonly implying devotion to lawful and useful labor.

2. (a.) Steadily and perseveringly active in a particular pursuit or aim; as, he was negligent in business, but industrious in pleasure; an industrious mischief maker.

4399. melakah -- occupation, work
... Word Usage anything (4), article made (1), business (4), cattle (1), craftsmanship
(3), details (1), duties (1), everything* (1), industrious* (1), laborer (1 ...
/hebrew/4399.htm - 6k

6213. asah -- do, make
... finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant,
great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep ...
/hebrew/6213.htm - 6k

6213a. asah -- do, make
... greedily (1), happen (1), happened (1), held (2), help (1), hold (1), imitate (1),
imparted (1), inclines (1), indeed perform (1), industrious* (1), inflict (1 ...
/hebrew/6213a.htm - 8k

The Work of God's Spirit
... We are straightforward, simple people, who cannot feel fine fancies; if we can be
honest, and industrious, and good- natured, and sober, and strong, and healthy ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon iv the work of.htm

True Prudence
... We must all be as prudent and industrious as we can; agreed. But does fretting make
us the least more prudent? Does anxiety make us the least more industrious? ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxx true prudence.htm

Of a Religious State. ...
... For surely it was far from his meaning to apply the said privileges to any but
industrious souls, whose principal care is to purify themselves interiorly, and ...
/.../chapter iii of a religious.htm

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
... If it had been sufficient to shake off idleness and become industrious the text
would have run thus: "The way of the slothful is as an hedge of thorns: but the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hedge of thorns and.htm

The Poor Debtor.
... these positions, if, from the pressure of the circumstances surrounding him as a
poor man and in debt, he had failed to be as active, industrious, and prudent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the poor debtor.htm

The Anabaptists and Mennonites.
... Simons, a converted Roman Catholic priest, collected the scattered remnant of the
Anabaptists into a well-organized, peaceful, and industrious community in ...
/.../ 104 the anabaptists and.htm

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... The ox is steady, the ass is lazy, the horse has strong passions, the wolf cannot
be tamed, the fox is deceitful, the stag timid, the ant industrious, the dog ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm

The Appeal to Parliament, 1742-1749.
... Georgia. They were industrious, patient under the difficulties of a new
settlement, laborious beyond what could have been expected. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xii the appeal to.htm

As a Child
... privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life
there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 7 as a child.htm

Trials to be Met.
... pressure of present want. They are far from being industrious, and farther
still from anything like enterprise. Those nations that ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter viii trials to be.htm

Industrious (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Steadily and perseveringly active in a particular pursuit or aim; as, he
was negligent in business, but industrious in pleasure; an industrious...
/i/industrious.htm - 7k

Diligent (33 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Interestedly and perseveringly attentive; steady and earnest in application
to a subject or pursuit; assiduous; industrious. Int. ...
/d/diligent.htm - 18k

Industry (5 Occurrences)

/i/industry.htm - 8k

Valor (45 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 11:28 The man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor; and Solomon saw the young
man that he was industrious, and he put him in charge of all the labor of ...
/v/valor.htm - 21k

Unless (102 Occurrences)
... stated in the sentence or clause which follows); if not; supposing that not; if
it be not; were it not that; except; as, we shall fail unless we are industrious...
/u/unless.htm - 36k

Jerobo'am (92 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 11:28 And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour; and Solomon saw the
young man that he was industrious, and he gave him charge over all the ...
/j/jerobo'am.htm - 32k

Laborious (12 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Requiring perseverance or sacrifice; toilsome; tiresome. 2. (a.) Devoted
to labor; diligent; industrious; as, a laborious mechanic. ...
/l/laborious.htm - 9k

Warrior (36 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 11:28 The man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor; and Solomon saw the young
man that he was industrious, and he put him in charge of all the labor of ...
/w/warrior.htm - 16k

Indulging (4 Occurrences)

/i/indulging.htm - 7k

Exposed (39 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS RSV NIV). Titus 2:5 industrious in their homes, kind, submissive to their
husbands, so that the Christian teaching may not be exposed to reproach. ...
/e/exposed.htm - 17k

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Industrious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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