In the biblical account, punctuality and diligence are valued as important virtues. Jesus teaches His disciples to be ready and prepared, like a servant awaiting their master's return, as seen in Luke 12:40. The apostle Paul encourages believers to be diligent and fervent in their service, not lagging behind in their duties, as noted in Romans 12:11 and Colossians 4:5. Meanwhile, Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, and Matthew 24:36 reminds us that our timing is not always in sync with God's, emphasizing the need for patience and watchfulness.
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You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.” Arise, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are Your inheritance.
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,
How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.