The concept of industry, characterized by diligent and productive labor, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with positive outcomes and divine favor. The fruits of industry are manifold, encompassing material prosperity, spiritual growth, and societal well-being. Scripture underscores the value of hard work and its beneficial effects, both for individuals and communities.

Material Prosperity

The Bible frequently links industriousness with material blessings. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse highlights the direct correlation between hard work and financial stability. Similarly, Proverbs 13:11 notes, "Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will multiply." These passages emphasize that wealth gained through honest and diligent labor is sustainable and grows over time.

The account of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 further illustrates the fruits of industriousness. She is depicted as a model of diligence, engaging in various productive activities that benefit her household. Proverbs 31:27 says, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Her industrious nature results in prosperity and respect for her family.

Spiritual Growth

Industry is not only associated with material gain but also with spiritual development. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often encourages believers to work diligently as a form of service to the Lord. In Colossians 3:23-24 , he writes, "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." Here, Paul connects industriousness with spiritual reward, suggesting that diligent work is an act of worship and devotion.

Moreover, the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the spiritual fruits of industry. The servants who diligently invest their master's resources are rewarded, while the one who buries his talent out of fear is reprimanded. This parable teaches that God values the industrious use of the gifts and opportunities He provides, leading to spiritual growth and divine commendation.

Societal Well-being

The effects of industry extend beyond individual prosperity and spiritual growth to encompass societal well-being. Industrious individuals contribute to the common good, fostering a thriving community. Ecclesiastes 4:9 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." This verse suggests that collaborative industry enhances productivity and benefits society as a whole.

The early church exemplified the communal fruits of industry. Acts 2:44-45 describes how believers shared their possessions and resources, ensuring that no one was in need. This collective industriousness and generosity strengthened the community and served as a powerful witness to the surrounding society.

Warnings Against Idleness

While the Bible extols the virtues of industry, it also warns against the dangers of idleness. Proverbs 6:10-11 cautions, "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit." This warning underscores the potential negative consequences of neglecting industriousness.

The Apostle Paul addresses idleness in his letters to the Thessalonians, urging believers to work diligently and not be a burden to others. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 , he writes, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat." This directive highlights the expectation of industry within the Christian community and the importance of contributing to one's own sustenance.

In summary, the Bible presents industry as a virtue that yields numerous fruits, including material prosperity, spiritual growth, and societal well-being. Through diligent labor, individuals honor God, provide for their needs, and contribute to the flourishing of their communities.Proverbs 31:16,31
She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

[Shewing] that Common and Saving Grace Differ, not Only in Degree ...
... of men, or diverse fruits and effects of that ... goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."
Those fruits are here ... by their own strength and industry, with only a ...
/.../edwards/treatise on grace/shewing that common and saving.htm

True Harvest Joy.
... supported by the rest; failure in one direction spreads its effects far around ... wishes
only himself and his family to reap the fruits of his industry, I have ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxvii true harvest joy.htm

A Provision Ground
... them under slavery, from the brutalising effects of a ... and other islands, export fruits-
-preserved fruits especially ... For this latter industry, at least, I have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvi a provision ground.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... temperament, whereby it escapes the dangerous effects, feeds on ... some to give us their
fruits, others to ... We know besides that the industry of agriculturists ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

Whether we were Delivered from Sin through Christ's Passion?
... OF THE EFFECTS OF CHRIST'S PASSION (SIX ARTICLES) Whether we were ... as if a man by
the good industry of his ... faith, that we may share in its fruits, according to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether we were delivered from.htm

The Struggle for Life
... life in which all the arts of industry must increase. ... he loves home, he feeds on
grains and fruits which take ... that not its local or surface effects only, but ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter vi the struggle for.htm

From the Arrival of the First Missionaries in 1769 to the First ...
... in common life, but were remarkable for honesty and industry, so that ... The good effects
of these meetings were so apparent, in producing "the fruits of good ...
/.../chapter 3 from the arrival.htm

Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... was one of the fairest fruits of American ... Industry and commercial enterprise are
extending themselves in ... lamentable proof of its deteriorating effects may be ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xvi conflicts of the.htm

Down the Islands
... Like causes have produced like effects; and each island ... midshipman's butter; {26a}
large round brown fruits, to be ... it, as far as human industry and enterprise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

Introduction
... pure religion rather low; Whitefield's labors, and their effects; state of ... their
own vines and fig-trees," enjoying the fruits of their industry and the ...
/.../bangs/a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/introduction.htm

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