Topical Bible: Diligence: Prosperity

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Topical Encyclopedia

Diligence is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with prosperity and success. The concept of diligence involves careful and persistent work or effort, and it is frequently highlighted as a virtue that leads to favorable outcomes. In the biblical context, diligence is not merely about hard work but also encompasses faithfulness, perseverance, and a commitment to God's principles.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 10:4 · "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse underscores the direct correlation between diligence and material prosperity. The contrast between idle hands and diligent hands illustrates the biblical principle that effort and industriousness lead to abundance.

2. Proverbs 12:24 · "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." Here, diligence is associated with leadership and authority. The diligent are depicted as those who rise to positions of influence, while the lazy are subjected to servitude.

3. Proverbs 13:4 · "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." This passage highlights the fulfillment and satisfaction that come from diligence. It contrasts the unfulfilled desires of the lazy with the contentment of those who are diligent.

4. Proverbs 21:5 · "The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty." This verse emphasizes the importance of careful planning and consistent effort. Diligence is portrayed as a pathway to abundance, while rashness and haste lead to lack.

5. Ecclesiastes 9:10 · "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 exhortation encourages wholehearted effort in all endeavors, recognizing the temporal nature of life and the opportunity to work diligently while alive.

Theological Insights:

From a theological perspective, diligence is not only a practical virtue but also a spiritual one. It reflects a commitment to stewardship and the responsible use of the gifts and opportunities God provides. The diligent person is seen as one who honors God through their work, recognizing that their efforts are ultimately for His glory.

New Testament Context:

In the New Testament, diligence is also linked to spiritual growth and maturity. For instance, in 2 Peter 1:5-8, believers are encouraged to "make every effort" to add to their faith virtues such as goodness, knowledge, and self-control. This passage suggests that spiritual diligence leads to a fruitful and effective life in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Practical Application:

For believers, the call to diligence is a call to integrate faith with action. It involves a commitment to excellence in all areas of life, whether in work, ministry, or personal growth. Diligence is seen as a means of honoring God and serving others, with the understanding that true prosperity encompasses both material and spiritual well-being.

In summary, the Bible presents diligence as a key to prosperity, both in the material and spiritual realms. It is a virtue that reflects a life lived in alignment with God's purposes, characterized by faithful effort and a commitment to excellence.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 10:4
He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Portrait of a Matron
... successful. Throughout its pages the Bible reverences diligence. It is the
condition of prosperity in material and spiritual things. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/portrait of a matron.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... often corrected with hunger, but the rich and him who enjoys prosperity, with dangers ...
Resurrection; and let us teach others, and let us do all diligence to shut ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm

The First Season
... is the time of prosperity, when Providence smiles upon us. Now, Christian, keep
thy heart with all diligence; for it will be very apt to grow secure, proud and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/i the first season.htm

The Second Season
... outward comforts, then look to your heart; keep it with all diligence from repining ...
and tenderness in the time of affliction than in the time of prosperity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/ii the second season.htm

Schools.
... to educated natives. His great attainments, his diligence and teaching
power, did much to promote the prosperity of the school. ...
/.../kennedy/life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xii schools.htm

Great Preparations for a Great Work
... and may suggest to us the motives which should urge us to diligence in building ... of
benefits received, and the tracing of peace and outward prosperity to God's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/great preparations for a great.htm

The Second Part.
... Thirdly, you may know them by their diligence and curiositie in lighter matters
joyned ... they are good under the rod, as Pharaoh, againe in prosperity like the ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the second part.htm

Of the Mortification of Anger by Patience. ...
... are in the soul, and how souls deceive themselves who in prosperity do so ... the which
we express by doing such works with more than usual diligence, haste, and ...
/.../chapter vii of the mortification.htm

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... and the structure of the temple was with great diligence brought to a ... Israelites,
offered sacrifices, as the renovation of their former prosperity after their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

The Third Season
... calling for more than ordinary diligence to keep the heart is the time of ... the happiness
of the church by its worldly ease, splendour and prosperity, then such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm