Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,
Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler,
Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.” – Proverbs 6:6-8
Solomon used the natural world as a teacher of spiritual truth. Not to the extent that his understanding of God was built on what he saw in nature, but rather that nature has a way of illustrating many Biblical truths. In Proverbs, it is common to find references to the animal kingdom as a teaching method.
The ant is a means of reminding us of the need to plan ahead. To the casual observer, they seem to have no ruler, yet they all march in line to store up for the future. Solomon suggests the reason we fail to prepare for what is ahead is laziness. Twice in the passage, the man who does not plan for his future is referred to as a sluggard. Webster defines a sluggard as an habitually lazy person, or someone who is inactive.
While it seems clear, Solomon has our financial well being in mind, this truth has its fullest application in preparing for eternity. Every person, rich or poor, man or woman, free or slave, will one day breathe his last and step out of time and into eternity. Tragically, not all of us are prepared for that eventuality. Some put it off thinking they will get around to it later, only to be caught, by death, unaware. Others, purposely try to avoid any thought of death or eternity by filling their minds with earthly things. Whatever the case, we must “go to the ant” and learn to prepare for our ultimate fate; being face to face with the God who made us.
The way to prepare for eternity is first to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. Accept the fact that you are a sinner and He is the Savior. Bow your head, your heart, and your life to Him and ask Him to forgive your sins. Second, we need to store up treasures in heaven by living for Him on earth. Take time to pray for others and tell them about your relationship with Christ. Look for ways to get involved in serving Him by ministering to others.
Go to the ant, Heaven is waiting.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 6
1. Surety-security or payment, in debt. Verses 1-6 tell us a bit about debt. After reading these verses, how do you view debt?
2. Do you plan ahead? Are you a hard worker? Verses 6-11 instruct us to what will happen to us if we do not work. How does poverty come on someone?
3. Verses 12-15 describe “the worthless/wicked man,” pray for the people you know now that these verses describe.
4. What 6 things does the Lord hate? If any of these describe you, confess now and start asking the Lord to change you. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17
5. The consequences of adultery can be devastating. Being involved in sin will give you tunnel vision, you only see what you want to see, not realizing the destruction you are bringing upon yourself and others. Pray for those caught in this horrid trap, God will deliver and wants to restore!
Old Testament:
Hosea 10 – Sow What
Jim Gallagher 