For many of us, diligence is one of the most difficult character traits to maintain and live by. We’re well-intentioned with genuine goals and aspirations, but we sometimes find it difficult to stick to routine and maintain discipline.
Understanding the meaning of diligence in the bible is only the first step of our journey. How we live every single day determines how we live our entire lives, and it’s important that we stay disciplined and present while focusing on the tasks at hand.
Fortunately, if you occasionally struggle with being diligent, the Bible is a great resource to fall back onto to find renewed motivation, inspiration, and willpower. Being able to find diligence in the bible can greatly help us.
To that end, we’ve put together 20 of our favorite Bible verses on diligence. If you’re already consistent with your efforts on a regular basis and would benefit from other types of support, we’ve also found amazing Bible verses for various circumstances, whether you’re feeling discouraged, want to find more strength, or are struggling with forgiveness.
20 Bible Verses on Diligence
Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
Interpretation: While even having goals and desires is a step in the right direction, to only have wants and not act upon them will lead to no results. We cannot sit and wish circumstances into existence with the expectation that no action is necessary on on our part. On the contrary, we must be diligent in our efforts and figure out how to put ourselves in positions to best receive what the Lord has to deliver when the time is appropriate.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Interpretation: When doing good deeds, it’s important to act without expectations of reward or reciprocation. This way, one is never distracted by what the world will return back for the benefit of the self. It also allows one to adopt a more patient attitude, understanding that God and the universe are at work behind the scenes and that what He has in mind will run its course as necessary.Â
Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
Interpretation: Those who are constantly at work will always be focused on building and improving the world around them, naturally leading them to higher places that they can create impact from. Comparatively, individuals who are more passive in their efforts will fall in line behind the diligent and adhere to their guidance and instructions as they have seen and experienced less in the world.
Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes to poverty
Interpretation: If you put in work on a consistent, daily basis, you will surely achieve the results you desire one day even if it is not immediately evident in the present. However, patience is paramount, as anyone who tries to rush and achieve an overnight success will surely slip and fall at some point, undoing all the work that came before.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him
Interpretation: The fruit of life comes from facing the trials and tribulations that come before our receiving it, not by avoiding or walking around these obstacles. Difficult moments in our lives are intended to make us stronger and build our foundations for a better, more glorious tomorrow.Â
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might
Interpretation: This is one of our favorite mantras – anything that is worth doing is worth doing well. If you’re able to adopt this mentality, you’ll be able to find enjoyment in almost every task at hand. Our efforts are reflections of everything that we are: our character, the people connected to us, the faith we adopt, and the life we’ve lived thus far.Â
Proverbs 10:4
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Interpretation: While it is okay and only human for our energy and motivation to waver, we should constantly try to figure out how to rebound faster and stronger from those moments and keep ourselves upright. Only then can we give our full energy to everyone and everything around us.Â
Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, O Sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
Interpretation: There’s beauty and brilliance in the ways that ants behave. Each individual ant is always steadfast in its purpose, treading forward to fulfill the immediate need for the benefit of the colony. The ants’ intentions never waver and they never lose sight of their goal. If an obstacle presents itself, it will do anything and everything to work around it.
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus
Interpretation: The only motivation we should need is to work in His name and to be called upon by the Lord when our work here is done.Â
Proverbs 14:23
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty
Interpretation: One will never not benefit by putting in the effort and doing the hard work, but individuals who only talk about goals and dreams will not be blessed with the same good fortune. One cannot talk things and circumstances into existence.Â
2 Peter 1:5-7
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self- control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
Interpretation: By adopting and arming ourselves with all of the above, we put ourselves in the best position to act and live in His likeness. Faith, virtue, intelligence, discipline, and a universal love for all of humanity.Â
2 Corinthians 8:7
But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you – see that you excel in this act of grace also.
Interpretation: As we become blessed with the things we seek, it’s important to always give credit where it’s due and to remember our roots and where we came from. If we find ourselves in a position where we’re able to help, give back, or pay it forward to those around us, then we should use these opportunities to do so, when appropriate.Â
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Interpretation: We should keep a watchful eye on everything around us and never grow complacent. It will not only give us energy but will also protect it.Â
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Interpretation: The ways that things have always been done may not be the best or most correct ways that things need to be done in the future. The world needs to continuously push the limits on faith, life, and love, constantly striving to create a more perfect world as God intended.Â
 Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men
Interpretation: In all your work, maintain a heightened level of energy and vigor, and remember that you are doing your work in His name.Â
Proverbs 4:13
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go’ guard her, for she is your life.
Interpretation: Whenever we come across those moments of inspiration and clarity where we feel that we are working towards a higher purpose, we need to hang on to that feeling as much as we can. He will lead us in ways and use methods that we can’t even begin to comprehend.Â
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Interpretation: The ultimate rewards are beyond human comprehension. They are unbound from our lives on Earth and we should continue to look up and keep our sights on our faith while maintaining courage.Â
Proverbs 12:27
Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
Interpretation: Those who sit around and wait for things to be done for them will not receive much. Your crops will not farm themselves, your prey will not hunt itself, and your meal will not cook itself.Â
2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
Interpretation: A powerful reminder that if you adopt a diligent lifestyle and give maximum effort, you will not fall. In time, everything will come together.Â
2 Peter 3:14
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
Interpretation: Strive to be the best that you can be and live a life of virtue. Present yourself in a manner that would allow you to live the rest of your life at peace.Â
Takeaway
These are just a few of the many bible verses on diligence. As you get to know yourself more and the word of God, you will encounter more diligence in the bible and you will be able to use these words in your daily lives.
Did I miss any bible verses about diligence? Share your favorites in the comments!
Did this scripture about diligence resonate with you? If so, grab a journal and jot these verses down so you can quickly turn to them whenever your willpower wavers.
