31 Days With the Book of Proverbs: A Daily Bible Study – Day 6
“Go to the ant, you lazybones, consider its ways and be wise.”
Proverbs 6:6
I love this Proverb! The teachers of wisdom are at their practical best here. Who does not like to sleep in? Have you ever found yourself procrastinating instead of doing what is necessary? Oh I’ll mow my lawn eventually! Only to find the grass (and weeds) have grown exponentially. Oh, I’ll start saving next year. Only to find retirement or unemployment staring us in the face without preparation! And parents, who has not had to remind their sons or daughters about homework? “Go to the ant!”
The teachers go on to praise the ant for being a self-starter! The ant plans ahead and anticipates winter. The alternative, “a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want, like an armed warrior.” Now of course that doesn’t preclude rest. “All work and no play…” well, it makes us dull. God knew that. He rested on the seventh day, the Sabbath, and we know we need “sabbath” rest in our journeys too. There is a rhythm to life…work and rest. But finding the balance is important, just ask our cardiologists!
Drew Harvey
Photo by Brody Childs on Unsplash
