Diligence
/DIL-ih-jens/
Summary
Earnest, persistent effort in work and spiritual matters, commended throughout Scripture as essential to success and pleasing God.
☩In Work
Proverbs especially commends diligence in labor: 'The hand of the diligent maketh rich,' and 'Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings.' The virtuous woman 'worketh willingly with her hands' and 'looketh well to the ways of her household.' Laziness leads to poverty.
Key verses:Proverbs 10:4Proverbs 22:29Proverbs 31:13-27Proverbs 6:6-11
☩In Spiritual Matters
Peter exhorts believers to 'give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' We are to be diligent to be found of Christ in peace, without spot. The writer to the Hebrews urges diligence to enter God's rest and to show 'the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.'
Key verses:2 Peter 1:102 Peter 3:14Hebrews 4:11Hebrews 6:11-12
Related Verses50 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Diligence," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Diligence," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).