Diligence in Labor

What general command has God given concerning labor?

“Six days you shall labor and do all your work.” Exodus 20:9.

What are men instructed to do instead of living upon the earnings of others?

“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.”

Ephesians 4:28.   

What general rule does Paul lay down upon this subject?

“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

In what language does he condemn idleness?

“We hear that some of you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” Verse 11, 12.

What example did the apostle himself set in this matter?

“Nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.” Verse 8.

What labor was appointed man in consequence of the Fall?

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:19.

Note – A life of laborious and perpetual toil, in a world cursed with weeds, thorns, and thistles, was appointed to man in consequence of the entrance of sin. This was part of the curse. And yet even this was appointed in love, and under existing circumstances, is a blessing in disguise. 

Solomon Speaks on Industry

What are some of the results of industry?

“He who works his land will have abundant food, but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.” Proverbs 28:19.  “Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” Proverbs 10:4.

What does Solomon say concerning diligence in business?

“What ever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planting nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10. “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” Proverbs27:23. “He who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” Proverbs 10:5.

What does Solomon say of the industrious woman?

“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat of the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praise her.”

 Proverbs 31:27,28.

Indolence in Bible Light

”Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:4. “The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Proverbs 13:4. 

How does Solomon describe the lazy man?

“I went by the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.” Proverbs 24:30, 31.

What does Paul say of the professed Christian who does not provide for his own family?

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8. 

Diligence in Spiritual Things

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 1:5-10.

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