Study of Proverbs 31 - Week #9 - Industrious

A godly woman is industrious. 

"She rises also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard." - v.15-16

"She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff." - v.18-19

"She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple." - v.22

"She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles unto the merchant." v.24

"She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness." - v.27

Webster's Dictionary - Industrious: constantly, regularly, or habitually active or occupied

1. Proverbs 6:6-11 - the ant is diligent, we should not sleep away our days

2. Proverbs 10:4 - diligence makes rich

3. Proverbs 10:5 - it is wise to gather while there is plenty

4. Proverbs 12:11 - diligence provides needs

5. Proverbs 12:24 - sloth will make you dependent on others

6. Proverbs 12:27 - diligences does not waste what it worked hard to get

7. Proverbs 13:4 - diligence provides needs

8. Proverbs 14:4 - not working may be easier, but increase comes by hard work

9. Proverbs 19:15 - idleness causes hunger

10. Proverbs 20:13 - loving sleep brings poverty

11. Proverbs 22:29 - diligence will take you far in life

12. Proverbs 24:30-34 - the field of the slothful is overgrown and falling apart

13. Proverbs 30:24-28 - these small, industrious creatures are a wise example to us

14. Ecclessiasties 10:18 - idleness destroys your house

Proverbs seems to be the book about industry and hard work. It is a wise warning that we ought not to love sleep too much, because idleness brings hunger and poverty, and makes you dependent on others. The field of the slothful is overgrown and unable to produce, and their house is falling apart. 

Even very small creatures such as the act set a strong example for us of being industrious and working to provide our needs. 

Diligence and industry provides for our needs and our family's needs; it increases our resources and will take you far in life; and it does not waste what it worked hard to get. 

Not working may be easier, cleaner, and more comfortable, but increase comes only by hard work.