Proverbs 6:6–8 (ESV)
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise.
7 Without having any chief,
officer, or ruler,
8 she prepares her bread in summer
and gathers her food in harvest.
Continuing his instruction about finances and responsibility, the father now addresses the sluggard. By exposing the sluggard’s laziness, he teaches his son what he must never become. Though the sluggard may attempt to justify his idleness by claiming he is overworked, exhausted, or stressed, the reality is that he is simply idle. Scripture offers no excuses and no softening of the term. His problem is not capacity but character.
To make his point, the father directs him to the ant. “Consider her ways.” The Hebrew word translated “ways” is derek, referring to a path or pattern of life, a term previously used to describe the way of men and now applied to the ant. The sluggard is called to study her course of conduct. This tiny creature can be crushed underfoot. She has no visible strength. Yet the lazy man would be wise to sit at her feet and learn.
The ant is self-motivated. She appears to have no chief, officer, or ruler directing her. No one forces her to work. No one stands over her with deadlines or threats. Yet she labors diligently. She works not under compulsion but because it is right and wise to do so. There is discipline in her small body and foresight in her activity. The sluggard is called to imitate her.
She prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. Bread simply refers to food. The verb translated as “prepare” is the Hebrew kun, meaning to make ready, to establish, or to equip in advance for a future need. She recognizes the season. Summer is the time to labor. Harvest is the moment to gather. She does not delay. She works hard in the present so she will not lack in the future. Using the instinct God has woven into creation, the ant stores up during months of abundance so that winter will not bring ruin. She understands that provision tomorrow depends on diligence today.
Has God given you strength, opportunity, and time right now? Then do not waste this season. Like the ant, make the most of the work set before you. Do not push today’s obedience onto tomorrow’s list. Thank God for the gift of work and step into it with diligence and gratitude.