Topical Bible: Diligence: Preserves from Evil

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Diligence, as a virtue, is highly esteemed in the Bible and is often portrayed as a safeguard against the snares of evil. The concept of diligence encompasses a persistent and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken, and it is frequently associated with wisdom, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the importance of diligence in various contexts, emphasizing its role in preserving individuals from evil. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the necessity of a vigilant and diligent heart to protect oneself from moral and spiritual corruption.

In Proverbs 12:24 , it is written, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." Here, diligence is contrasted with laziness, suggesting that a diligent person is not only preserved from the consequences of sloth but is also positioned for leadership and authority.

Diligence in Work and Conduct

The Bible frequently associates diligence with work and conduct, indicating that a diligent approach to one's responsibilities can shield one from the pitfalls of idleness and temptation. Ecclesiastes 9:10 exhorts, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom." This passage encourages a diligent pursuit of one's duties, implying that such dedication is a defense against the futility and evil that can arise from neglect.

The New Testament also speaks to the virtue of diligence. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 , believers are urged to "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." This progression of virtues begins with diligence, suggesting that it is foundational to spiritual growth and protection from moral failings.

Diligence in Spiritual Matters

Diligence is not only applicable to physical and temporal matters but is also crucial in spiritual pursuits. Hebrews 6:11-12 encourages believers, "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." Here, diligence is linked to the assurance of hope and the inheritance of God's promises, indicating its protective role in the believer's spiritual journey.

Furthermore, 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This call to diligence in handling God's word underscores the importance of earnest study and application of Scripture as a means of safeguarding against false teachings and spiritual deception.

Diligence and the Fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is often associated with diligence, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 : "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." A diligent pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, rooted in the fear of the Lord, serves as a bulwark against the folly and evil that arise from ignoring divine instruction.

In summary, the Bible presents diligence as a vital attribute that preserves individuals from evil by promoting wisdom, righteousness, and a steadfast commitment to God's ways. Through diligent effort in both temporal and spiritual matters, believers are equipped to resist the temptations and pitfalls that lead to moral and spiritual downfall.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 15:26
And said, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and will do that which is right in his sight, and will give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases on you, which I have brought on the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that heals you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

I Wrote These Words Beforehand as a Statement of My Faith, when as ...
... then can any room be left for evil, when the very first word of my confession preserves
and defends me ... his eloquence as an expositor and his diligence as a ...
/.../14 i wrote these words.htm

Of the Vanity and Crimes, Impious Superstitions, and of the ...
... deadly rites, and strive with the greatest diligence that no ... place in religion, and
not that which is evil. ... he who in this earthly warfare preserves his faith ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xx of the vanity and.htm

The Second Season
... look to your heart; keep it with all diligence from repining ... "If thou then, being
evil, knowest how ... if by the loss of outward comforts God preserves your soul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/ii the second season.htm

The Fruit of the Light
... authority in its favour, but is preferable because it preserves a striking ... 'Giving
all diligence add to ... rely on His power to cleanse us from all evil, the more ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the fruit of the light.htm

Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
... but should set themselves with earnestness and diligence to consider ... are spiteful,
and look with an evil eye on ... up constantly to God who preserves and sustains ...
/.../vii sermon for the fourth.htm

Thou Shalt have no Other Gods Before Me.
... He also preserves us from misfortune, and if any evil ... and by whom we are delivered
from all evil. ... who have employed all their care and diligence to accumulate ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt have no other.htm

Matt. xviii. 7
... are neither changed, nor do they need diligence for their ... thyself and of thy remissness
are thy evil deeds ... of the others, with the others preserves himself also ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lix matt xviii 7.htm

Note to the Following Treatise 1. The Following Letter
... of Albano: "I have heard also that your Diligence desires to ... and multiplies it when
produced, and preserves it after ... that he is more inclined to evil than to ...
/.../note to the following treatise.htm

The Letter of Anastasius,
... But if by translating all these evil things he ... weakness but with great care and
diligence, you will ... translated the work has gained and preserves this assurance ...
/.../the letter of anastasius.htm

Concerning the Sacrament of Penance
... The first and capital evil connected with this sacrament is ... raises it up again, consoles,
and preserves it. ... in penitence is due, not to the diligence with which ...
/.../first principles of the reformation/concerning the sacrament of penance.htm