Proverbs 6:6

Go to the ant, you sluggard;

consider its ways and be wise!

How could one possibly study an ant and gain wisdom? King Solomon certainly found value in doing so and being that he was both the richest and wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12-13), he must be on to something. So what could it be that Solomon found so interesting about a lowly ant?

From a scientific point of view, ants are a marvelous creation. There rapid colonization, social communication, elaborate architecture, and incredible strength have all been the subject of study for many scientists around the world. Some ants can inject pray with lethal venom while others can spend hours under water without drowning. Truly they are a scientific wonder.

However, myrmecology (the scientific study of ants) and even entomology (the scientific study of insects) were unlikely to be the source of Solomon’s interests. In fact, the intricacies of the ant were probably of little interest to Solomon. A closer study of the passage reveals Solomon’s intent when he issued this proverb.

First, the proverb is directed to a specific character: the sluggard. The Free Dictionary defines the term sluggard as, “A slothful person, an idler.” I think Solomon would agree and probable trump this definition based on his 14 references throughout Proverbs. So why would Solomon direct the lazy to seek wisdom from an ant?

The second line of Solomon’s proverb reveals his focus in studying the ant: its ways. I believe Solomon is directing attention to the ant’s methodologies for carrying out its daily activities. In other words, the principles behind how the ant naturally operates. It is auspicious for the sluggard that even a cursory examination of the ant reveals the gem within Solomon’s proverb.

In my observation of the ant, I have found the following to be true:

1. They work without ceasing.
2. They require no supervision.
3. They are focused and do not deviate.

In a single word, the ant is a perfect example of diligence. It is for this reason Solomon refers the sluggard to consider its ways and be wise. Diligence is the antithesis of laziness.

Now apply the granule of wisdom gained from this proverb to your walk with Christ. Would Christ look at you and see an arrogant sluggard wasting the precious time He has given you and say, “You wicked, lazy servant!” (Matthew 25:26)? Or would He see the humility and diligence of an ant without deviation from his focus on Christ? If so, He will say unto you, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).

George Whitfield and the early Methodists had this down. At the end of every day they would take account of every hour and journal how they spent their time. Moreover, Whitfield would hardly ever sleep, catching only brief naps between his sermons. Consider the fruit we could bear if we emulated this example on our walk with Christ.

What are you doing with your time? Do you pray? Do you read the Word of God? Do you meditate on scripture? Do you fast? Do you study Biblical teachings and true doctrine? Or do you spend your time playing video games, or watching television shows and movies that God absolutely hates? Do you spend time in idol conversation? Do you sleep more than you truly need?

I’ve heard it said that where a man’s heart is, there his time will be also. If you cannot honestly say that you are like an ant seeking Christ, diligent with your time, where then is your heart?

Ephesians 6:6 says, “Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.” Where is your heart?

Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Where is your heart?

Ephesians 3:16-19 says, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Where is your heart?

Judge yourself and take account of your time for if Christ is in you, you will seek Him diligently. If you are not diligently seeking Christ, question if He has come into your heart. If you were struck by lightning you could not possibly walk away unchanged. How much more powerful is Christ than the very lightning He creates? If you have an encounter with Christ it is absolutely impossible to walk away unchanged.

Where are you spending your time?

Where is your heart?

Make much of Christ!

Tags: ant, Diligence, george whitfield, heart, lazyness, methodist, proverbs 6:6, sluggard, solomon, time, wisdom