Diligence - The Enemy of Poverty

Preview: A lesson on the importance of staying busy and doing our part to support ourselves and our households.


Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:1-17.

Memory Verse: John 10:14.

1. What general command has God given concerning labor? Exodus 20:9.
2. What instruction is given concerning living on the earnings of others? Ephesians 4:28.
3. What rule does Paul lay down about this subject? II Thessalonians 3:10.
4. How does he condemn idleness? II Thessalonians 3:11-12.
5. What example did the apostle himself set for us? II Thessalonians 3:8-9.
6. What labor was appointed man in consequence of the fall? Genesis 3:17-19.
Note: A life of laborious and perpetual toil in a world cursed with weeds, thorns, and thistles was appointed to man in consequence of the entrance of sin. This was a part of the curse, and yet even this was appointed in love and under existing circumstances is a blessing in disguise. It was a discipline rendered necessary because of sin to place a check on the indulgence of appetite and passion. If man was not called to labor, his sins and misery would be multiplied many fold.
7. What is the result of industry? Proverbs 28:19.
8. What results when there is slackness? Proverbs 10:4 & Proverbs 13:4.
9. What does Solomon say concerning diligence in business? Proverbs 27:23 & Proverbs 10:5.
10. What does Solomon say of the industrious woman? Proverbs 31:27-28.
11. What does Paul say of the professed Christian who does not provide for his own family? I Timothy 5:8.
12. What picture does Solomon give of the slothful man? Proverbs 24:30-34.