What does the Bible say about diligence?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that diligence is a faithful, persevering labor that flows from trust in God and serves both our calling and our neighbor. Proverbs 13:4 and Proverbs 10:4 contrast the fruitful diligence of the wise with the emptiness of sloth, while Proverbs 12:24 and Proverbs 22:29 commend skillful, responsible work. Ecclesiastes 9:10 calls us to do with our strength what God has placed before us. Yet Christian diligence is not self-salvation: Galatians 6:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourage steadfast service because our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Believers are also to be diligent in Scripture, holiness, and assurance, as 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 1:10, and 2 Peter 3:14 teach.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 13:4 7 votes
The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
- Proverbs 10:4 6 votes
He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
- Galatians 6:9 5 votes
Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
- Proverbs 12:24 4 votes
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 3 votes
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
- Proverbs 22:29 3 votes
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.
- 2 Peter 1:10 3 votes
Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
- 2 Peter 3:14 3 votes
Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 3 votes
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 3 votes
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor plan, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.
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