A virtue inculcated amongst Freemasons, because by it they are enabled not only to support themselves and families, but to contribute to the relief of worthy distressed Brethren. "All Masons," say the Charges of 1722, "shall work honestly on working days that they may live creditably on holy days" (Constitutions, 1723, page 52.) The Masonic symbol of industry is the beehive, which is used in the Third Degree ( Proverbs 10:5 - Proverbs 12:11 - Ephesians 4:28 )
See also: Beehive
Biblical Reference
Proverbs 10:5
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
Proverbs 12:11
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
