Lessons From The Ant
Proverbs 6 offers practical wisdom on various life issues, including the dangers of foolishness, laziness, and temptation. It warns against financial irresponsibility and the perils of making rash promises or guarantees for others. The chapter also emphasises the importance of integrity and warns about the destructive nature of adultery and deceitful behaviour. Ultimately, it encourages adherence to God’s commands, highlighting that wisdom and discipline lead to a life of safety, prosperity, and fulfilment in God’s sight.
Proverbs 6:6-11 (MSG) provides a sharp reminder about the dangers of laziness and the value of hard work. “You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two.” Here, the ant serves as a model of diligence and foresight. It tirelessly gathers food during the summer, preparing for times of scarcity. This imagery encourages us to reflect on our own habits. The question arises: “So, how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed?”
The verses highlight the gradual slide into idleness—“A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy.” Such complacency may seem harmless, but it leads to dire consequences. The warning is clear: neglecting responsibility will result in a life of poverty—“You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent houseguest!”
In a world that often glorifies rest and leisure, these verses challenge us to take action, reminding us that success requires effort, planning, and discipline. By observing nature, we learn valuable lessons about diligence, encouraging us to adopt the ant’s industrious mindset in our own lives.
What Can Be Learnt From Ants?
Ants are remarkable creatures that exemplify a proactive approach to life, teaching us valuable lessons about diligence and foresight. “Nobody tells them what to do. They are self-starters.” A self-starter is someone who takes initiative and acts upon what they know is right, even without external instruction. They exhibit a strong sense of responsibility and get the job done effectively.
This idea is echoed in 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP): “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, cowardice, or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power, love, sound judgment, and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” Like ants, we are called to embody these qualities, empowering us to face challenges without hesitation.
Ants also demonstrate foresight by making provisions for difficult times. Proverbs 21:20 (AMP) states, “There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future], but a short-sighted and foolish person squanders it.” Preparation is key; wise individuals recognise the importance of saving and planning ahead to ensure stability during hard times.
Furthermore, ants are planners. Proverbs 21:5 (AMP) emphasises this: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage, but everyone who acts in haste surely comes to poverty.” Diligence and careful planning are fundamental to achieving success and avoiding the pitfalls of impulsive decisions.
They are also hardworking, as highlighted in Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT): “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Hard work not only yields results but also honours our commitment to God in all our endeavours.
Proverbs 14:23 (NIV) reminds us, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Similarly, Proverbs 21:25 (NIV) cautions, “The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him because his hands refuse to work.” The importance of taking action cannot be overstated; idleness and procrastination can lead to detrimental outcomes.
Moreover, Proverbs 12:11 (NIV) states, “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” In the pursuit of goals, grounded efforts yield tangible rewards, while unrealistic dreams can lead to disappointment.
As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, “Laziness travels so slowly that poverty soon overtakes it.” Elbert Hubbard adds, “Folks who never do any more than they get paid for, never get paid for any more than they do.” These sayings remind us of the consequences of a lack of initiative.
In conclusion, as Evan Esar succinctly states, “The only time a lazy man ever succeeds is when he tries to do nothing.” Let us be inspired by the industrious nature of ants, embracing a proactive, diligent approach in our lives.