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

The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Diligence contrasted with laziness

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

Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

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

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

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Examples of diligence

See also 2 Chronicles 15:15, 2 Chronicles 29:34 the Levites; Isaiah 62:6–7; Zechariah 6:15; Luke 8:15; Acts 17:11 the BereansRomans 1:15; 1 Corinthians 4:12, 1 Corinthians 9:24–26; 2 Corinthians 6:5, 2 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, 1 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, Revelation 2:19

Diligence was a characteristic of Jesus Christ's mission

Luke 9:51 See also Hebrews 12:1–2

As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

Misguided diligence

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

You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.