2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
Diligence:
Mr. Webster defines this as constant careful effort; persevering hard work. In Scripture the word translated “diligence, diligent” carries other meanings as well. Peter urges this upon us as basic in the development of the seven other virtues he lists in the passage – all these being vital to our faith as believers. Diligence is seldom considered as a particular Christian attribute in our development. It is important if our everyday life and work but seldom exercised in the working out of our faith as Christians. Christian virtues in our life do not come by wishing or hoping, but by the essential quality of diligence. Peter also urges us to be diligent in another matter – that of our calling and election (2 Pet 1:10).
Similar uses of the same word:
The basic word for diligence is used elsewhere and is translated, “study”, “labor” and “endeavor”. Paul says (2 Tim 2:15) using this word which would carry the idea of not simple reading of Scripture but of serious comparing and research (1 Cor 2:13). Looking for parallel passages and meaning provided in other OT and NT passages. In (Eph 4:3) Paul uses the word again in regard to maintaining peace in the fellowship of the church. Then in (Heb 4:11) we are urged by the use of the root word again to seek the rest provided by God for all His children. There are numerous exhortations to Christians to be diligent in the matters pertaining to our walk with the Lord that are needed.
A Key verse
There is one key verse in which diligence itself is commanded as a Christian duty (Rom 12:11). Here the word “business” is the same word as “diligence”. In other words Paul is saying, “be diligent in diligence”. We are saved by grace thru faith and we cannot and do not work for our salvation, however, we are urged and it is necessary for all of us to be diligent about maintaining and developing our Christian life and character. This includes all areas of our life – prayer, Bible study, exercising unto godliness, fellowship and etc.
