Topical Bible: Silver: (Labour of Seeking For) of Diligence Required For

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Silver, a precious metal highly valued throughout biblical history, serves as a symbol of wealth, beauty, and divine wisdom. The pursuit of silver, both in its literal and metaphorical sense, is often associated with the diligence and effort required to obtain something of great value. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the laborious pursuit of silver and the diligence it necessitates.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

In the Bible, silver is frequently mentioned as a medium of exchange, a measure of wealth, and a material for crafting sacred objects. Its intrinsic value and beauty make it a fitting symbol for the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 2:4-5 illustrates this metaphorical pursuit: "if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." Here, the quest for wisdom is likened to the diligent search for silver, emphasizing the effort and dedication required.

Diligence in the Pursuit of Silver

The labor of seeking silver is not merely a physical endeavor but also a spiritual one. The Bible underscores the importance of diligence in this pursuit, as seen in Proverbs 10:4 : "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse highlights the principle that diligent effort leads to prosperity, whether in the acquisition of material wealth or spiritual riches.

The pursuit of silver, therefore, serves as a metaphor for the broader Christian life, where diligence and perseverance are essential virtues. The labor involved in mining and refining silver parallels the spiritual discipline required to cultivate a life of faith and obedience to God.

Warnings Against Misplaced Priorities

While the Bible acknowledges the value of silver, it also warns against the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual well-being. In Proverbs 23:4-5 , we are cautioned: "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky." This passage reminds believers that the pursuit of silver should not overshadow the pursuit of godliness and eternal treasures.

Conclusion

The labor of seeking silver, as depicted in the Bible, requires diligence and discernment. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian journey, where the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness demands effort and perseverance. While silver is a symbol of wealth and beauty, the Bible consistently points to the greater value of spiritual riches and the eternal rewards that come from a life devoted to God. In this pursuit, diligence is not only required but is also richly rewarded by the One who grants true wisdom and understanding.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 2:4
If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sojourners with God
... lay fallow and much of the ordinary labour was suspended. ... were taught by the blast
of the silver trumpets that ... our life pierce down with its seeking roots to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/sojourners with god.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... devotions acceptable must also make our labour or employment a ... him that is invisible,"
and seeking nothing else ... or fine linen, of gold or silver, which either ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 28 upon our lords.htm

The one Thing Needful
... sanctify his business and to consecrate his labour, and so ... ingots of gold, or bars
of silver, or caskets ... precious chapter it is: but the seeking sinner should ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the one thing needful.htm

Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome.
... that one who has clothes, who has silver, who has a ... at the same time, how every one,
seeking in the ... of this salt of all Christian virtue and labour, he might ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/gregory the great bishop of.htm

Letter Xliii. (AD 397. )
... error, and if they are with anxiety seeking the truth ... question here is not your gold
and silver; it is ... candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xliii a d 397.htm

The Object of Theology
... the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone ... 31:53.) And when Abraham's servant
was seeking a wife ... only be acquired by continued study and much labour. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... for when he saith, 'He came seeking fruit thereon ... books, though they were worth fifty
thousand pieces of silver. ... is such as becometh God's husbandry and labour. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... The words of the Lord are"as silver tried in ... Indeed, this is hard labour, but be
content, the dearer ... faith and self-denial, which he with diligence performed ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Book I.
... But the labour you have spent in mustering this ... is called imperfect, and again one
of silver, compared with ... one particular point too far in seeking to convince ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... to be led and ordered in his labour and work ... and adorned with ever so much gold or
silver, or most ... member; no evidence of holiness being required to constitute ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm