What does the Bible say about industry?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that diligent, honest work is a good calling from God, to be pursued in faith, love, and dependence on his grace rather than as a means of earning salvation. God placed Adam in the garden to work and keep it in Genesis 2:15, and after the fall labor remained part of human life in Genesis 3:23. Believers are urged to work quietly, provide for their needs, and share with those in need in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and Ephesians 4:28. Proverbs 31 commends wise, energetic household labor, while Acts 20:34-35 joins work with generous service. Yet Exodus 20:10 reminds us that industry has its limit: God commands rest and worship, trusting him as Lord.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Genesis 2:15; Exodus 23:12; Exodus 35:2; Deuteronomy 5:13; Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 12:11; Proverbs 12:24; Proverbs 12:27; Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 13:11; Proverbs 13:23
- See FRUGALITY
- Also see IDLENESS
- See SLOTHFULNESS
- INSTANCES OF
- Jeroboam 1 Kings 11:28
- Paul Acts 18:3; Acts 20:33; Acts 20:34; 2 Thessalonians 3:8
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Commanded Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11
- Required of man in a state of innocence Genesis 2:15
- Required of man after the fall Genesis 3:23
- To be suspended on the Sabbath Exodus 20:10
- Characteristic of godly women Proverbs 31:13-31
- Early rising necessary to Proverbs 31:15
- Requisite to supply
- Our own wants Acts 20:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9
- Wants of others Acts 20:35; Ephesians 4:28
- The slothful devoid of Proverbs 24:30; Proverbs 24:31
- Leads to
- Increase of substance Proverbs 13:11
- Affection of relatives Proverbs 31:28
- General commendation Proverbs 31:31
- Illustrated Proverbs 6:6-8
- Exemplified
- Rachel Genesis 29:9
- Jacob Genesis 31:6
- Jethro’s daughters Exodus 2:10
- Ruth Ruth 2:2; Ruth 2:3
- Jeroboam 1 Kings 11:28
- David 1 Samuel 16:11
- Jewish elders Ezra 6:14; Ezra 6:15
- Dorcas Acts 9:39
- Paul Acts 18:3; 1 Corinthians 4:12
See also
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