Importance of Diligence in Times of Prosperity
Diligence, often understood as careful and persistent effort, is a virtue emphasized throughout biblical wisdom literature and Christian teaching, particularly in times of prosperity. The book of Proverbs frequently highlights the value of diligence, contrasting it with laziness and idleness. For instance, Proverbs 12:27 states that "the lazy will not roast his game, but diligence is the precious wealth of a man" [2]. This suggests that sustained effort leads to tangible benefits and security, while idleness results in loss.
Biblical texts encourage diligence not only in material pursuits but also in spiritual life. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists numerous areas where diligence is required by God, including seeking Him (1 Chronicles 22:19; Hebrews 11:6), obeying Him (Deuteronomy 6:17; 11:13), hearkening to Him (Isaiah 55:2), striving for perfection (Philippians 3:13-14), cultivating Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5), guarding one's soul (Deuteronomy 4:9) and heart (Proverbs 4:23), engaging in "labours of love" (Hebrews 6:10-12), and following every good work (1 Timothy 5:10) [1]. This broad application indicates that diligence is a holistic virtue, encompassing both the sacred and the secular aspects of life.
The importance of diligence is underscored by its practical outcomes. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note that "diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor" [4]. This perspective connects diligence directly to self-sufficiency and meeting one's needs. Furthermore, diligence is presented as a path to advancement and recognition. Proverbs 22:29 asks, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business?" and answers, "he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men" [10]. This proverb suggests that consistent, focused effort in one's calling can lead to elevated status and influence. Matthew Henry interprets this verse as commending a person who is "quick and active" in their business, demonstrating "dexterity and expedition" [5]. Such a person is not content with idleness but actively seeks and excels in their work.
Even in times of prosperity, diligence remains crucial for maintaining and growing what has been gained. Matthew Henry observes that "a man, with prudent management, may raise his estate and family by lawful and honest means, with a good conscience, and a good name, and the blessing of God upon his industry" [6]. This implies that prosperity is not merely a result of initial effort but requires ongoing diligent management to be sustained. The wisdom of Proverbs 8:12, "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of ingenious inventions," further suggests that wisdom, which guides diligence, leads to innovative and effective approaches to life and work [3].
The call to diligence extends to all lawful callings. Matthew Henry advises that "whatever our business is, within doors or without, we must apply our minds to it" [9]. This includes understanding one's business thoroughly and personally overseeing it, rather than relying solely on others. This continuous application of mind and effort prevents stagnation and ensures continued productivity, even when resources are abundant.
The New Testament also echoes this emphasis on sustained effort. The author of Hebrews exhorts believers to "show the same diligence" in their faith and love, ministering to the needs of the saints [7]. This spiritual diligence is presented as a means to attain "full assurance" [7]. Similarly, Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights the need for diligence in guarding against defilement (Hebrews 12:15) and seeking to be found spotless (2 Peter 3:14), as well as making one's calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10) [1]. These admonitions indicate that spiritual prosperity, like material prosperity, requires ongoing, careful attention and effort to be preserved and deepened. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown conclude that diligence "secures a reward, even for the humble servant" [8], reinforcing the idea that consistent effort, regardless of one's station, yields positive outcomes.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 12:27 (LEB) — The lazy will not roast his game, but diligence is the precious wealth of a man.”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 8:12 (Webster) — I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of ingenious inventions.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 16:26: Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 22:29: Here is, 1. A plain intimation what a hard thing it is to find a truly ingenious industrious man: "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? Thou wilt not see many such, so epidemical are dulness and slothfulness." He is here commended who lays out himself to get business, though it be but in a very low and narrow sphere, and is not easy when he is out of business, who loves business, is quick and active in it, and goes through it, not only with constancy and resolution, but with dexterity and expedition, a man of despatch, who knows how to bring a deal of bus”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 24:3: We are tempted to envy those that grow rich, and raise their estates and families, by such unjust courses as our consciences will by no means suffer us to use. But, to set aside that temptation, Solomon here shows that a man, with prudent management, may raise his estate and family by lawful and honest means, with a good conscience, and a good name, and the blessing of God upon his industry; and, if the other be raised a little sooner, yet these will last a great deal longer. 1. That which is here recommended to us as having the best influence upon our outward p”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:10: And we desire that everyone of you do show the same diligence,.... In the constant exercise of the graces of faith and love, and in ministering to the necessities of the saints: there is a spiritual labour, diligence, and industry to be used by the saints; and former diligence is a motive to future; and is a means of attaining to full assurance, as appears by what follows; and this is to be shown for the glory of God, for the evidence of the above graces, and for an example and encouragement to other saints: and the persons addressed being "everyone", this shows the ”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 27:18: Diligence secures a reward, even for the humble servant.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 27:23: Here is, I. A command given us to be diligent in our callings. It is directed to husbandmen and shepherds, and those that deal in cattle, but it is to be extended to all other lawful callings; whatever our business is, within doors or without, we must apply our minds to it. This command intimates, 1. That we ought to have some business to do in this world and not to live in idleness. 2. We ought rightly and fully to understand our business, and know what we have to do, and not meddle with that which we do not understand. 3. We ought to have an eye to it ourselv”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 22:29: Seest thou a man diligent in his business?.... In the business of his calling, be it what it will, whether for himself or his master; constant in it, swift, ready, and expeditious at it; who industriously pursues it, cheerfully attends it, makes quick dispatch of it; does it off of hand, at once, and is not slothful in it, nor weary of it; when you have observed and taken notice of such a man, which is not very common, you may, without a spirit of prophecy, foresee that such a man will rise in the world; he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean”