The verse “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise” in Proverbs 6:6 is an exhortation to learn from the example of the ant. This proverb encourages us to observe the hard-working and diligent nature of ants and to emulate their wise and prudent ways in our own lives.
In the verses leading up to 6:6, the writer warns against laziness and slothfulness, which lead to poverty and want. So in verse 6, the sluggard or lazy person is instructed to “go to the ant” and gain wisdom from its industrious habits. Just as ants work hard in summer to store up food for winter, so must we diligently apply ourselves to our work and responsibilities.
Some key lessons we can learn from ants according to this passage include:
- Ants work hard – They are constantly busy gathering and storing food with great effort and teamwork.
- Ants prepare for the future – They do not idle away their time but diligently prepare for their needs ahead of time.
- Ants collaborate – They work together as an organized and unified community for their common good.
- Ants persevere – They keep working steadfastly no matter the obstacles, without giving up.
The instruction to “consider her ways” means we should intentionally reflect on the working habits of the ant and seek to emulate their wisdom. As Proverbs 30:25 states, ants are “exceedingly wise” – they operate with foresight, discipline, endurance and unity.
The essential lesson of Proverbs 6:6 is that we must not be lazy in our work and duties. Sluggards make excuses and continually delay responsibilities. But ants actively work hard with perseverance and planning. By observing their industriousness, we too can avoid the pitfalls of slothfulness and fulfill our obligations.
This verse promotes values like:
- Diligence – applying ourselves to our tasks with steady effort and concentration
- Preparation – planning ahead wisely and completing tasks before deadlines
- Self-control – resisting procrastination and the tendency to make excuses
- Stewardship – making good use of the time and resources God has given us
Going to the ant serves as a great metaphor for modeling ourselves after its strong work ethic for our spiritual growth. Just as the ant works all summer diligently in preparation for winter, believers must make the most of our time on earth in faithful service of God and others.
Background on Ancient Ants
To better understand the context of this verse, it helps to consider some background information on ants in the ancient world when Proverbs was written:
- Black garden ants were very common in ancient Israel. People could readily observe ants busy at work near their homes.
- Ants often made cone-shaped mounds and underground nests with extensive tunnel systems.
- Some ant species stored grain in chambers underground over summer for winter use.
- Ants communicated and worked together with effective teamwork and division of labor.
- Ants were admired as models of wisdom, hard work, organization, foresight and diligence.
People in ancient cultures recognized ants as living examples of industry, unity and planning ahead. Watching ants prepare food stores for winter inspired principles of working hard today to prepare for future needs.
Exposition of Proverbs 6:6
Here is an exposition of key phrases from Proverbs 6:6 to understand it fully:
“Go to the ant”
- A directive to purposefully observe the activity and habits of ants.
- Look to the ant colony to gain moral wisdom and work ethic.
- Get out of your state of laziness and study their industrious example.
“O sluggard”
- Addresses people given to sloth, laziness and procrastination.
- Sluggards make excuses to get out of work and responsibility.
- They lack self-discipline and waste time instead of being diligent.
“Consider her ways”
- Make a careful, thoughtful examination of the ant’s habits.
- Reflect on their work ethic and extract important life lessons.
- Emulate the sagacity, unity, and foresight of their work.
“And be wise”
- The ultimate goal is to gain wisdom from the ant’s example.
- Apply the insights gleaned to become more responsible and diligent.
- Let the ant’s habits transform your own life and character.
This succinct proverb packs a powerful punch. By observing and reflecting on the simple ant, much moral wisdom can be gained to correct laziness and cultivate prudence.
Practical Lessons from Ants
Here are some of the valuable lessons the Bible teaches we can learn from ants if we follow the wisdom in Proverbs 6:6:
The value of diligent work
- Ants are constantly active – they reflect the importance of steady, diligent effort.
- We should apply ourselves to our responsibilities with hard work and persistence.
- Diligence protects against the pitfalls of slothfulness and laziness.
The wisdom of planning ahead
- Ants prepare their stores in summer for the needs of winter.
- We also should manage our affairs with foresight for the future.
- Those who prepare today with diligence reap the rewards later.
The benefits of teamwork
- Ant colonies succeed through unified teamwork and collaboration.
- When we work together towards a common goal, more can be accomplished.
- God designed us to collectively apply our diverse gifts and talents.
The rewards of perseverance
- Ants keep working steadily despite obstacles or interruptions.
- We should imitate their endurance when facing difficulties and setbacks.
- Perseverance develops spiritual maturity and refined character.
Emulating the ant’s habits cultivates greater discipline, responsibility, unity, and steadfastness in our lives. Their small size belies the wisdom and example ants can model for human beings.
Wisdom Literature in the Bible
Proverbs 6:6 fits into the larger genre of wisdom literature found in the Bible. Here is some background on this literary style:
- Wisdom literature provided practical instruction for right conduct and attitudes.
- The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job contain key examples.
- Short sayings, metaphors, similes and illustrations teach moral principles.
- Observations of nature are used to impart wisdom for living well.
- Writers draw lessons from animals, plants, weather, child-rearing, daily work, etc.
The book of Proverbs especially relies on creation motifs to communicate moral truth. Ants serve as one of these natural metaphors for industry, unity, and foresight. Wise sayings based on observing ants occur across ancient literature, demonstrating their reputation for wisdom.
Other biblical references to ants
Ants appear in a few other verses in the Bible besides Proverbs 6:6:
- Proverbs 30:24-25 – Ants are called one of the “four things that are little” but are “exceedingly wise.” They store up food in summer.
- Proverbs 10:26 – Laziness is likened to vinegar poured on natron (a mineral ant use to build hills).
- Isaiah 7:25 – After desolation in the land, hills once worked over by ants will be useful only for grazing.
These verses all highlight traits of ants like wisdom, hard work, foresight and teamwork. Proverbs especially uses them as moral examples for correcting human laziness and foolishness.
New Testament Principles on Work
While not mentioning ants directly, the New Testament also teaches principles for diligence and wise stewardship that align with the lessons from Proverbs 6:6.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
This passage instructs believers to walk wisely and redeem the time by understanding and doing God’s will. Ants offer an example of walking wisely by diligently acquiring and storing up food to fulfill God’s design.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
Here Paul teaches that unwillingness to work means forfeiting the right to eat. The sluggard who ignores the ant’s example should not expect to receive benefits without effort. Diligent work is required to provide for our needs.
Titus 3:14
And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
This exhortation to engage in good deeds aligns with lessons from ants on diligence, teamwork, and stewardship. Their unified effort helps the colony thrive, just as believers must give of themselves to bear fruit.
Ultimately, ants display a work ethic commended by wisdom literature in both the Old and New Testaments. Their habits model prudence in using time, resources and community well for the glory of the Creator.
Application for Believers Today
Christians should still heed the wisdom of Proverbs 6:6. Here are some ways we can apply lessons from the ant in our walk with Christ today:
- Set aside regular time for Bible reading and prayer to grow in wisdom and maturity.
- Establish goals and plans to redeem the time and be good stewards of our days.
- Join a church community to serve others and build unity in the Body of Christ.
- Commit to diligent effort in our work without giving in to procrastination.
- Persevere in doing good and relying on God amidst trials and setbacks.
- Cultivate self-discipline to use money and resources wisely for the future.
- Set an example for others by modeling diligence, preparedness and moderation.
When believers emulate the ant’s hard-working habits, with God’s help we can avoid the pitfalls of laziness and make the most of the time God gives us. By observing their teamwork, planning and perseverance, we gain wisdom to live diligently and fruitfully for Christ.