Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5833 diligence

5833 diligence

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5833 diligence

Conscientious hard work and perseverance, particularly with regard to a relationship with God. In Scripture diligence is highly commended. It may, however, be misguided.

Diligence and its results are commended

Proverbs 21:5 See also 1 Kings 11:28; 2 Chronicles 24:13; Ezra 5:8; Ezra 6:12; Ezra 7:23; Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 31:17 characteristic of the wife of noble character; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Jeremiah 31:16; 2 Corinthians 8:11 regarding the collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 5:2

Diligence contrasted with laziness

Proverbs 10:4 See also Proverbs 12:24,27; Proverbs 13:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Diligence is important in the outworking of one's relationship with God

1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Timothy 4:15-16

Examples of diligence

See also 2 Chronicles 15:15; 2 C 34 the Levites; Isaiah 62:6-7; Zechariah 6:15; Luke 8:15; Acts 17:11 the Bereans

The apostle Paul:

Romans 1:15; 1 Corinthians 4:12; Corinthians 9:24-26; 2 Corinthians 6:5; Corinthians 11:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8; 2 Timothy 4:7 Romans 12:8; Romans 16:12; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Corinthians 14:1; 2 Corinthians 8:5 the Macedonian churches; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 6:11-12; 2 Peter 1:10; Revelation 2:2-3,19

Diligence was a characteristic of Jesus Christ's mission

Luke 9:51 See also Hebrews 12:1-2

Misguided diligence

John 5:39-40 See also Psalm 127:2; Proverbs 28:20; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Ecclesiastes 2:11,19; Ecclesiastes 4:8; Matthew 21:15,23-24; 1 Timothy 6:10