How to Work with Diligence

Ephesians 4:28

 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

Share with the needy.

Colossians 3:23,24

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

All your work is unto the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:9

 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

Do not burden others.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

…that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,

Lead a quiet life.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

Work to eat. (Not eat to work.)

How to Neglect Diligence

Diligence

1st Timothy 4:15

 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

A diligent person immerses himself in the Lord’s work.

Ecclesiastes 5:4

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.

Do not procrastinate the work of God.

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

Motivate one another to do the work of God.

John 9:4

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

Take advantage of the appropriate time for work to be done.

John 17:4

I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.

Glorify God by completion of your work.

Negligence

Proverbs 13:4

A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
    but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

A negligent person is never satisfied.

Proverbs 15:19

The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
    but the path of the upright is a highway.

A negligent person always finds an obstacle.

Proverbs 12:11

Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

A negligent person fantasizes about hypothetical situations.

Proverbs 14:23

All hard work brings a profit,
    but mere talk leads only to poverty.

A negligent person talks and talks and talks.

Proverbs 28:19

Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

A negligent person lives in poverty, imagining work that they could be doing.