Topical Bible: Diligence: Lawful Business

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Diligence in lawful business is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of hard work, integrity, and stewardship in one's vocational endeavors. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the value of diligence as a virtue that honors God and benefits both the individual and the community.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of diligence is rooted in the creation narrative, where God Himself is depicted as a diligent worker. In Genesis 2:2-3 , it is written, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done." This passage underscores the divine example of diligent labor followed by rest, setting a pattern for human activity.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently extols the virtue of diligence. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This proverb highlights the practical benefits of diligence, suggesting 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." Here, diligence is associated with leadership and autonomy, contrasting with the subjugation that comes from sloth.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul provides further insight into the importance of diligence in lawful business. In Colossians 3:23-24 , Paul instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage elevates the concept of work by framing it as service to Christ, thereby imbuing all lawful business with spiritual significance.

Paul also addresses the Thessalonians with a call to diligence, warning against idleness. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , he writes, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat. Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living." This admonition underscores the expectation that believers engage in productive and lawful work.

Theological Implications

Diligence in lawful business is not merely a practical concern but also a theological one. It reflects the character of God, who is both Creator and Sustainer, and it aligns with the biblical mandate for humans to exercise dominion and stewardship over creation (Genesis 1:28). The diligent worker mirrors God's creative activity and participates in His ongoing work in the world.

Moreover, diligence is a means by which believers can fulfill the Great Commandment to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:39). By engaging in lawful business with integrity and excellence, Christians contribute to the common good, provide for their families, and support the work of the church and the needs of the community.

Practical Applications

The biblical call to diligence in lawful business has practical applications for contemporary believers. It encourages a strong work ethic, integrity in business dealings, and a commitment to excellence. Christians are called to be reliable and trustworthy in their vocations, reflecting the character of Christ in all their endeavors.

Furthermore, diligence involves wise stewardship of time, talents, and resources. Believers are encouraged to plan and work diligently, as exemplified by the industrious ant in Proverbs 6:6-8 : "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." This imagery serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and foresight in lawful business.

In summary, diligence in lawful business is a biblical principle that encompasses hard work, integrity, and stewardship. It is a reflection of God's character and a means by which believers can honor Him and serve others in their vocational pursuits.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 27:23
Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.
Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter xiii. --To the Church at Nicomedia .
... For this reason great diligence and fervent desire on the ... For it is not lawful that
the simple should meddle ... you should each mind your own business, that so ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xiii to the church at.htm

Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
... Labour, in a lawful calling, is God's ordinary means ... In earthly business bear an
heavenly mind: do thou ... to the time present with religious diligence, and take ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/thirdly for thy actions.htm

The Neighbor Colonies to virginia-Maryland and the Carolinas.
... by the way, was not the lawful wife of ... allow his religious predilections to interfere
with business. ... their work with characteristic earnestness and diligence. ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter vi the neighbor colonies.htm

Connection Between Covetousness and Idolatry. Certain Trades ...
... since even swearing is not lawful [233] )"is ... that there be some righteousness in
business, secure from ... faults extend the sphere for diligence in watchfulness ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xi connection between covetousness and.htm

The Life of Mr. Samuel Rutherford.
... There he laboured with great diligence and success, both ... he altogether declined them
as a lawful judicatory, and ... and zeal in going about his Master's business. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr samuel.htm

Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... itself his present occupation is quite lawful and pleasing ... far more devotion to my
worldly business than I ... at winning others by his own diligence and activity. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xi doing glory to.htm

Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome.
... so that those who live according to lawful order (ie ... For we have sunk into mere men
of business. ... expend your whole solicitude, your whole diligence." To another ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/gregory the great bishop of.htm

How to Work for God with Success.
... the measures by which you do it providing they are lawful.". "Use just the same
diligence, earnestness, and ... doubt My presence when you are set on My business. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ix how to work.htm

Impressive Phrases
... business, profession, occupation, and vocation. C. ... diligence, attention, industry,
and assiduity [assiduity = persistent ... lawful, legitimate, allowable, and just. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iv impressive phrases.htm

Letter clxvii . To Rusticus, Bishop of Gallia Narbonensis, with ...
... seem to exceed the limits of ordinary diligence, I perceive ... says the Apostle, "all
things are lawful for me ... those who during or after penance transact business. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter clxvii to rusticus.htm