Topical Bible: Diligence: Illustrated

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Definition and Importance

Diligence is a consistent and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken. It is characterized by careful and persistent work or effort. In the biblical context, diligence is a virtue that is highly esteemed and encouraged among believers. It is often associated with faithfulness, responsibility, and a strong work ethic, reflecting a commitment to God and His purposes.

Biblical References

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of diligence in various aspects of life, including spiritual growth, work, and relationships. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse highlights the rewards of diligence, suggesting that those who are diligent will attain positions of leadership and influence, while laziness leads to subjugation and hardship.

In the New Testament, diligence is also linked to spiritual growth and maturity. 2 Peter 1:5-7 encourages believers 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." The phrase "make every effort" underscores the necessity of diligence in cultivating these Christian virtues.

Illustrations of Diligence in Scripture

1. The Ant: Proverbs 6:6-8 uses the ant as an illustration of diligence: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." The ant's industrious nature serves as a model for human behavior, demonstrating the value of self-motivation and preparation.

2. The Virtuous Woman: Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the virtuous woman, whose diligence is evident in her management of household affairs, business acumen, and care for her family. Verse 27 states, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Her diligence is portrayed as a source of blessing and honor.

3. Paul the Apostle: The Apostle Paul exemplifies diligence in his ministry. In 1 Corinthians 15:10, he writes, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." Paul's tireless efforts in spreading the Gospel and establishing churches demonstrate his commitment and dedication to God's calling.

4. Nehemiah: Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem is a testament to diligence. Despite opposition and challenges, Nehemiah remained focused and persistent. Nehemiah 4:6 records, "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." His diligence inspired the people to complete the task at hand.

Theological Implications

Diligence is not merely a human effort but is often portrayed as a response to God's grace and calling. It is an expression of faith and obedience, reflecting a believer's commitment to live according to God's will. Hebrews 6:11-12 encourages believers to show diligence in their faith: "We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

Practical Applications

In practical terms, diligence involves setting goals, maintaining discipline, and persevering through challenges. It requires a balance of planning and action, as well as a reliance on God's strength and guidance. Colossians 3:23-24 advises, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This perspective transforms everyday tasks into acts of worship and service to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How the Brethren in Egypt Work with their Hands, not Only to ...
... were famous for their labours, and Cassian's language might be illustrated from
many ... monks, and especially those in Egypt, to bees, because of their diligence. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxii how the brethren.htm

Particular Election
... and Saviour Jesus Christ." An "abundant entrance" has sometimes been illustrated
in this ... is the "abundant entrance." Now, the man that "give diligence to make ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/particular election.htm

Vain Toil
... duties and their calling, failed: and in spite of their prudent diligence, or rather ...
things with which he is dealing, but they contain truths illustrated by it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/vain toil.htm

Comparison of a Soul and a Millstone.
... And this movement of the heart is not unsuitably illustrated by the comparison of
a ... it will provide by the efforts of its own earnestness and diligence: for if ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xviii comparison of a.htm

The Church in Theology and Literature.
... Dr. Nevin, as well as to the erudition and immense productive diligence of his ... the
debt which the church owes to its heretics is frequently illustrated in the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xxi the church in.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... to another; in honor preferring one another; 11 in diligence not slothful ... Upon the
principle there illustrated, the Christian should act, conducting himself in ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

A Liberal Church
... The principle illustrated in the lives of worldlings is to get, get. ... he pleaded,
"in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

On the Different Functions of Modesty. ...
... All these points are illustrated with very appropriate examples. 67. ... If indeed
there is any fault in our nature, let us mend it with diligence. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xviii on the different.htm

Selection
... Illustrated. ... The book evinces Dr. Lee's customary diligence of research in amassing
facts, and his rare artistic power in welding them into a harmonious and ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/selection.htm

Introductory Note.
... How easily one may fall into such an error is fairly illustrated by certain ... the
peculiarity of their theological labor turns just on the diligence and depth of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/introductory note.htm