◄ Proverbs 6:6 ►
Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.
Study Bible
Go to the ant
The phrase "Go to the ant" is an imperative call to action. In Hebrew, the word for "go" is "לֵךְ" (lekh), which is a command to move or proceed. This directive is not merely a suggestion but a strong encouragement to observe and learn. The ant, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, was often seen as a symbol of diligence and industriousness. By directing the sluggard to the ant, the verse emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God's creation, which is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible.

O sluggard
The term "sluggard" is translated from the Hebrew word "עָצֵל" (atzel), which refers to someone who is habitually lazy or idle. In the context of Proverbs, the sluggard is often portrayed as a person who lacks motivation and discipline, leading to poverty and ruin. This admonition serves as a warning against the dangers of laziness, urging individuals to reflect on their own work ethic and to strive for a life of purpose and productivity.

consider her ways
The word "consider" comes from the Hebrew "רָאָה" (ra'ah), meaning to see, perceive, or understand. It implies a deep, thoughtful observation rather than a casual glance. "Her ways" refers to the ant's behavior and habits. Ants are known for their organized, cooperative, and tireless work ethic. By considering the ant's ways, the sluggard is encouraged to reflect on the virtues of diligence, foresight, and cooperation. This phrase invites believers to learn from the natural world, recognizing that God's wisdom is evident in all of creation.

and be wise
The phrase "and be wise" is a call to acquire wisdom, which is a central theme in the book of Proverbs. The Hebrew word for "wise" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which denotes not only knowledge but also the practical application of that knowledge in daily life. Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is living in accordance with God's will and understanding the moral order of the universe. This exhortation to be wise underscores the transformative power of learning from God's creation and applying those lessons to one's life. It is a reminder that true wisdom leads to a life of fulfillment and alignment with God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Ant
A small, industrious insect known for its diligence and ability to work collectively. In this verse, the ant serves as a model of wisdom and hard work.

2. The Sluggard
A person characterized by laziness and a lack of initiative. The sluggard is admonished to learn from the ant's example.

3. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was a king of Israel known for his wisdom. He uses the ant as a metaphor to teach about diligence and wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Value of Diligence
The ant exemplifies the importance of hard work and preparation. Christians are encouraged to be diligent in their work, reflecting God's character.

Learning from Creation
God uses His creation to teach us valuable lessons. Observing the ant's behavior can inspire us to be more industrious and wise.

Avoiding Laziness
Laziness leads to poverty and unfulfilled potential. By emulating the ant, we can avoid the pitfalls of slothfulness.

Wisdom in Preparation
The ant prepares for the future, teaching us the importance of planning and foresight in our personal and spiritual lives.

Community and Cooperation
Ants work together for the common good, reminding us of the importance of community and cooperation in the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the behavior of the ant challenge your current work habits or attitude towards diligence?

2. In what ways can you apply the ant's example of preparation and foresight in your spiritual life?

3. How does the concept of community and cooperation among ants relate to the functioning of the church?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to overcome laziness in your daily life?

5. How do other scriptures, such as 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, reinforce the message of Proverbs 6:6 regarding work and diligence?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 30:24-25
This passage also references the ant, highlighting its wisdom in preparing food in the summer, which reinforces the theme of foresight and diligence.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
Paul admonishes believers to work diligently and not be idle, echoing the call to avoid laziness.

Genesis 1:28
God's command to humanity to "fill the earth and subdue it" implies a call to active stewardship and work, aligning with the industrious nature of the ant.
Sermons
A Lazy ManG. B. Foster.Proverbs 6:6
A Secular Sermon an ForesightJ. Parker, D.D.Proverbs 6:6
IndustryR. Wardlaw.Proverbs 6:6
Lessons for Children from the AntR. Newton, D. D.Proverbs 6:6
Little Preachers and Great SermonsHomilistProverbs 6:6
SluggishnessFrancis Taylor, B. D.Proverbs 6:6
The Ant and its NestProverbs 6:6
The Foresight and Diligence of the AntJohn Johnston.Proverbs 6:6
The Necessity of Providing for the Spiritual Experiences of the FutureJ. Coe.Proverbs 6:6
The Teaching of the AntR. Walker.Proverbs 6:6
Sloth and DiligenceW. Clarkson Proverbs 6:6-11
The Sluggard AdmonishedE. Johnson Proverbs 6:6-11
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Ant, Consider, Hater, O, Observe, Slothful, Sluggard, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 6:6

     4660   insects
     5191   thought
     5629   work, ordained by God
     8365   wisdom, human
     8662   meditation

Proverbs 6:1-11

     5922   prudence

Proverbs 6:6-7

     7748   overseers

Proverbs 6:6-8

     5935   riddles
     5967   thrift

Proverbs 6:6-11

     5343   idleness
     5539   sluggard
     5634   work, and the fall
     5847   enthusiasm

Library
The Talking Book
A Sermon (No. 1017) Delivered on Lord's Day Morning, October 22nd, 1871 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."--Proverbs 6:22. It is a very happy circumstance when the commandment of our father and the law of our mother are also the commandment of God and the law of the Lord. Happy are they who have a double force to draw them to the right--the bonds of nature, and the cords of grace. They sin with a vengeance who sin both against …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
A sermon (No. 2406) intended for reading on Lord's Day, March 31st, 1895, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, on Lord's Day evening, March 27th, 1887. "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Talking Book
In order that we may be persuaded so to do, Solomon gives us three telling reasons. He says that God's law, by which I understand the whole run of Scripture, and, especially the gospel of Jesus Christ, will be a guide to us:--"When thou goest, it shall lead thee." It will be a guardian to us: "When thou sleepest"--when thou art defenceless and off thy guard--"it shall keep thee." And it shall also be a dear companion to us: "When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee." Any one of these three arguments …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 24.) Differently to be admonished are sowers of strifes and peacemakers. For sowers of strifes are to be admonished to perceive whose followers they are. For of the apostate angel it is written, when tares had been sown among the good crop, An enemy hath done this (Matth. xiii. 28). Of a member of him also it is said through Solomon, An apostate person, an unprofitable man, walketh with a perverse mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he beateth with his foot, he speaketh with his finger, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Jealous God
I. Reverently, let us remember that THE LORD IS EXCEEDINGLY JEALOUS OF HIS DEITY. Our text is coupled with the command--"Thou shalt worship no other God." When the law was thundered from Sinai, the second commandment received force from the divine jealousy--"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in the heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 9: 1863

How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 5.) Differently to be admonished are subjects and prelates: the former that subjection crush them not, the latter that superior place elate them not: the former that they fail not to fulfil what is commanded them, the latter that they command not more to be fulfilled than is just: the former that they submit humbly, the latter that they preside temperately. For this, which may be understood also figuratively, is said to the former, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: but to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

"Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." As man is naturally given to boasting and gloriation in something (for the heart cannot want some object to rest upon and take complacency in, it is framed with such a capacity of employing other things), so there is a strong inclination in man towards the time to come, he hath an immortal appetite, and an appetite of immortality; and therefore his desires usually stretch farther than the present …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
1 Pet. iv. 7.--"And watch unto prayer." "Watch." A Christian should watch. A Christian is a watchman by office. This duty of watchfulness is frequently commanded and commended in scripture, Matt. xxiv. 42, Mark xiii. 33, 1 Cor. xvi. 13, Eph. vi. 18, 1 Pet. v. 8, Col. iv. 2; Luke xii. 37. David did wait as they that did watch for the morning light. The ministers of the gospel are styled watchmen in scripture and every Christian should be to himself as a minister is to his flock, he should watch over …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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