Ants Gather Seeds Beside a Harvest FieldBible World
6:7Proverbs 6:7
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
The ant does its work with no guide, overseer, or ruler, yet it labors diligently and in an orderly way. It perseveres at small tasks, taking up one small grain at a time, and by that steady industry prepares its food for the future. Its preparation looks to future seasons and to what lies ahead.
Faithful work does not depend on being directed or supervised, for diligence can be self-directed. People therefore should take initiative in useful service rather than wait for direction. Work is honorable and necessary, calling for daily, habitual, and persistent toil, especially in working the soil and cultivating it.
The ant's example teaches faithfulness and the wise use of the abilities God has given. In its context the sluggard stands as a warning against inactivity, while the ant's industry reproves idleness, including sinful idleness. Its steady effort teaches the need to prepare in this life for the future immortal life God has provided for fallen humanity.
By contrast, a young person still has continuing need for guidance. Wisdom for youth includes looking to a guardian and to household members as counselors and in some respects rulers, and accepting the restraints of home. Self-reliance in earning one's living is praiseworthy, but rejecting rightful guidance in the name of independence leads to wrong action.
The ant does its work with no guide, overseer, or ruler, yet it labors diligently and in an orderly way. It perseveres at small tasks, taking up one small grain at a time, and by that steady industry prepares its food for the future. Its preparation looks to future seasons and to what lies ahead.
Faithful work does not depend on being directed or supervised, for diligence can be self-directed. People therefore should take initiative in useful service rather than wait for direction. Work is honorable and necessary, calling for daily, habitual, and persistent toil, especially in working the soil and cultivating it.
The ant's example teaches faithfulness and the wise use of the abilities God has given. In its context the sluggard stands as a warning against inactivity, while the ant's industry reproves idleness, including sinful idleness. Its steady effort teaches the need to prepare in this life for the future immortal life God has provided for fallen humanity.
By contrast, a young person still has continuing need for guidance. Wisdom for youth includes looking to a guardian and to household members as counselors and in some respects rulers, and accepting the restraints of home. Self-reliance in earning one's living is praiseworthy, but rejecting rightful guidance in the name of independence leads to wrong action.