Sep 6 in Wisdom
The Ant
‘Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.’ Proverbs 6:6
In this verse, the ant is presented as a model of diligence and wisdom, and the sluggard is called to observe the ant’s behavior to learn the value of hard work and foresight. The ant, though small and seemingly insignificant, is consistently industrious, storing up food during the harvest to prepare for times of need. The message is clear: laziness leads to poverty and hardship, while diligent effort brings provision and security.
This call to observe the ant is echoed in other parts of Scripture. In Proverbs 30:25, the ant is again praised for its wisdom: "The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." The ants’ wisdom is seen in their ability to plan ahead and work steadily toward their goal, even though they are small and lack physical strength. This teaches us that success in life is not solely about strength or power, but about diligence, planning, and consistent effort. The ant's example is one of quiet, persistent work that leads to abundance and preparedness.
In contrast, Ecclesiastes 10:18 offers a stark warning about the consequences of laziness: "By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through." Just as the ant works tirelessly to avoid hunger, the sluggard’s neglect leads to decay and ruin. Laziness is not just a lack of work but a failure to steward the resources and opportunities that God provides. The lesson here is that neglect in any area—whether it be work, relationships, or spiritual growth—leads to deterioration, while diligence builds up and strengthens.
The practical application of Proverbs 6:6 is that we must embrace the virtue of hard work and planning in all aspects of our lives. This means not only working hard in our jobs but also being diligent in our spiritual life, relationships, and responsibilities. The ant does not procrastinate or put off its labor for another day but works consistently, even when no immediate reward is visible. This is a valuable lesson for us, as we often want instant results or the visible fruits of our labor, but the ant teaches us that persistence and steady effort are what ultimately lead to success.
Moreover, this verse challenges us to take responsibility for our own lives. The ant does not need someone to oversee its work; it instinctively knows what needs to be done and does it. This self-motivation is key to living a productive life. As Galatians 6:5 reminds us, "For every man shall bear his own burden." We are each responsible for the effort we put forth in our lives, and we cannot expect others to carry the weight of our responsibilities.
In conclusion, Proverbs 6:6 teaches us the importance of diligence, self-discipline, and foresight. By observing the ways of the ant, we learn the value of hard work, preparation, and taking responsibility for our own lives. Laziness leads to ruin, but consistent effort brings security and success. Through the example of the ant, we are called to be wise, to embrace a life of purposeful work, and to trust that in due time, our diligence will bear fruit.
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The Ant
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