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I. SLUGGISHNESS OR IDLENESS IS A GREAT SIN.

1. It is a sin against nature, for all living things put out that strength God hath given them.

2. It is against God's commandment. It is stealing for a man to live on other men's labours, and do nothing himself.

3. Idleness produces many other sins: such as disobedience to parents, drunkenness, adultery (as in David's ease), stealing, lying, and cheating.

4. Idleness brings many miseries upon man: such as diseases, poverty, unmercifulness in others, loss of heaven and pains of hell. If the idler object that he hurts none but himself, we reply, "So much the worse. Remember, thou must give account of thy time; of thy talents; of thy thoughts; of thy idle words; of thy deeds; of neglecting thy family; of doing no good in the commonwealth."

II. LITTLE CREATURES MAY TEACH GREAT MEN MUCH WIT. From the ant they may learn —

1. Providence.

2. Labour.

3. Order.

(Francis Taylor, B. D.)

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KJV: Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

WEB: Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;