Topical Encyclopedia The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of industriousness and diligent work, often using the metaphor of hands to symbolize human effort and labor. The hands, as instruments of work, are depicted as essential tools for fulfilling God's purposes and providing for oneself and others.Biblical Mandate for Industriousness The Scriptures consistently advocate for the industrious use of one's hands, warning against idleness and sloth. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse underscores the principle that hard work and diligence lead to prosperity, while laziness results in poverty. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reinforces this teaching. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 , he exhorts believers to "aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone." Here, Paul highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and the witness of a diligent life to those outside the faith. Examples of Industrious Hands in Scripture The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who employed their hands industriously. The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is a paragon of industriousness. Proverbs 31:13 notes, "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." Her hands are depicted as active and productive, contributing to the well-being of her household. Another example is the Apostle Paul himself, who worked as a tentmaker to support his ministry. In Acts 18:3 , it is recorded, "And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade." Paul's willingness to labor with his hands serves as a model of industriousness and dedication to God's work. Warnings Against Idleness The Bible also contains stern warnings against idleness and the neglect of industrious labor. 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 vivid imagery illustrates the consequences of neglecting diligent work. In the New Testament, Paul addresses the issue of idleness in the church at Thessalonica. 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 underscores the expectation that believers should engage in productive labor. Theological Implications The industrious use of hands is not merely a practical concern but also carries theological significance. Work is seen as a divine calling, a means by which individuals participate in God's creative and redemptive purposes. Genesis 2:15 reveals that even before the Fall, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and keep it," indicating that work is an integral part of God's design for humanity. Moreover, industriousness reflects the character of God, who is depicted as a worker in the act of creation. Jesus, in John 5:17 , declares, "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working." Believers are called to emulate this divine attribute by engaging in diligent and purposeful labor. In summary, the Bible presents a consistent message that the hands should be employed industriously. Through diligent work, individuals fulfill their God-given responsibilities, provide for their needs, and bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 4:28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Library Preface. The Author to the Reader. The Study of the Bible Recommended; and a Method of Studying it ... Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ... Additional Evidences of Christianity, and Reflections on the Whole ... Internal Evidence Demonstrated to be the Very Reverse of ... The Life of Mr. James Renwick. The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Manuscript Testimony Shewn to be Overwhelmingly in Favour of These ... Manuscript Testimony Shewn to be Overwhelmingly in Favour of These ... Resources Did Jesus mean we should literally pluck out our eyes and cut off our hands in Matthew 5:29-30 and 18:8-9? | GotQuestions.orgThe Hands and Feet of Jesus ' and the Mouth! | GotQuestions.org How could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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