The English word "diligent," and its companion "diligence," are words associated with work and effort. The word "diligent" is defined as "persevering and careful in work; done with careful, steady effort."

Some synonyms for the word "diligent" are "hardworking, industrious, meticulous, conscientious, thorough, attentive, careful, painstaking, and persistent." An antonym for the word "diligent" is "lazy."

In the book of Proverbs, the word "diligent" is set in opposition to "laziness."

• "The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor" (12:24).
• "The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man's precious possession" (12:27).
• "The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich" (13:4).

As Christians, we are to give our best effort to faithfully carrying out the responsibilities God has placed upon us. Among these are the commands to...

• Keep our heart with all diligence (Prov. 4:23).
• Be diligent to present ourselves approved unto God (1 Tim. 2:15).
• Give all diligence to add the Christian graces to our faith; and to be diligent to make our call and election sure (2 Pet. 1:5, 10).
• Show diligence to the full assurance of our hope until the end (Heb. 6:11).
• Be diligent to enter into our eternal rest (Heb. 4:11).