Proverbs 6
Bible Passage: Proverbs 6
What is tiny, has 6 legs, its body divided into 3 sections (head, thorax, abdomen) and is the lead character in “A Bug’s life”?
Yes, the answer is the ANT.
In our daily lives, we have the most contact with ants compared to other insects.
We see them all the time, especially in kitchens and sometimes in our rooms or in the office. I have many disgusting memories of them, the grossest of all was watching them and their nest eaten up by insane people on ‘Fear Factor’.
While I am not at all fond of them, today’s chapter told us to learn from these insects. Sometimes the seemingly simple things in life can teach us the most important lessons.
Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,
Proverbs 6:6
We have probably seen ants scurrying around in different directions going in and out of their anthill, bringing in crumbs of food, little rocks and bits of stuffs. All the ants have a job to do. Some of them take care of the larva or baby ants. The anthill has to be kept clean and in good repair. Their homes have to be protected. While every colony has a queen ant, she does not give them instructions on what to do. She is too busy laying eggs instead of organizing or giving them pep talks.
None of these ants sit around and watch others do the work, waiting for instructions. They know what they are supposed to do and they do it.
This chapter is a timely reminder for me to reflect on my greatest weakness – laziness. People who know me well can get exasperated by how lazy I can get, and the mention of ants in today’s reading put me to shame.
Do we wait for our parents to tell us to do chores before we do them? Do we make all sorts of excuses to get out of exercising? Do we wait till we have no choice before we complete the tasks that need to be done?
How about matters pertaining to our salvation?
Do we need reminders to read the bible everyday? Do we need constant prodding from our parents or RE teachers to pray to God everyday?
The ants are more diligent than slothful men. These tiny creatures who store up their food in the summer (v8 ) teach us the importance of being prepared ahead of time for whatever may come our way.
While we do not know the hour of Christ’s return, we need to be prepared to give an account to God on the day He comes again. We have to be in a constant state of readiness.
While the door to God’s mercy and grace is still wide open, how can we not be diligent to secure our own salvation?
2 Comments
isfp
Indeed, i agree with what has been observed in the bible and InHisTime sharing on the ants. We can learn lots of things from God’s creation.
I like v16 to v19. In contrast to the “7 effective habits” books that we can find in the bookstore, we have “7 detestable sins” listed in these verses.
1) haughty eyes, – Do we look down on others?
2) a lying tongue, – Can we always be truthful?
3) hands that shed innocent blood, – Although we may not be murders, have we falsely accused the innocent?
4) a heart that devises wicked schemes, – Have we plot in our hearts ways to get back at our enemies? Cause harm in any ways?
5) feet that are quick to rush into evil, – are we impulsive in our actions? do we not consider whether God is please with our decision?
6) a false witness who pours out lies – Will you tweak the truth so that it is beneficial to yourself? Do you bear false witness to people around you?
7) a person who stirs up conflict in the community – Are you always picking a fight/argument with others? Have you spread any malicious gossip that isn’t the truth?
After considering the “7 detestable sins” i find myself guilty and must improve myself. And yeah, laziness too.
PS
Proverb 6:32 Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul.
A man who commits adultery his soul died, so does the woman who commits adultery with him.
This is a simple reasoning.
This is a simple understanding.
The snare of adultery is very real for both.
Lord Jesus taught that there is a mental adultery.
Is there something called active adultery and passive adultery? For example the way we dress.
Prov 6:35 He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.
God is holy.
How would He be appeased when His bride commits adultery, mentally or otherwise?