In the Bible, Proverbs are short statements to help you live wisely daily.

Our society likes things that are short and to-the-point. The proverbs are certainly that!

Proverbs 6:6 says: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!”

See what I mean? Short and to the point!

To understand this proverb we need to note a few things about ants. They work hard. They often have unique jobs in relation to their fellow ants. They can also carry ten to fifty times their own body weight!

Since in the proverb the ant is mentioned in contrast to the “sluggard” the thing we’re supposed to emulate is the ant’s work ethic.

Yes, working hard is good. It is a virtue. This doesn’t mean we’re to work all the time. But there is something good about working hard, whatever you happen to be doing.

But there’s more. The verse says that the way of the ant is “wise.” It is wise to work hard.

Generally speaking, the proverbs teach us principles to live by. These principles aren’t arbitrary. Not only does God use them to bless others, but they are also for our own good. In the movie Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell spoke about running: “God made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure.”

Since we live in a culture which is continually striving for comfort and convenience, we need to resist the idea that working hard is something to be avoided or that there is something unnatural about giving it your all. Right alongside “hard work” we could put “useful,” “helpful,” “contributor,” and “purposeful.”

When we do things well, we too can feel God’s pleasure.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!”

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Notes:

–The church I pastor (in Barrie, Canada) is looking for a full-time Coordinator of Youth and Outreach. Click here to learn more. Perhaps you’re interested, or perhaps you know someone who might be…

–Bibles quotes are from the NIV.