Another Wrong Way

It seems as though there are more wrong turns in life than there are right turns. Many start strong, have high ideals, clear goals and objectives and then, for one reason or another, they drop from sight.    

Normally, it is not from a disaster or one single event. It’s usually a combination of things. Foolish ways to manage a business have already been discussed. But, there is one “habit” that is mentioned again and again in Proverbs as a reason for failure: laziness. In fact, it is identified more than ten times as a reason for failure.

And the word used for “laziness” leaves no room to wiggle away from the diagnosis: sluggard. If there is any living thing that most people want to avoid it is a “mollusk” or “slug.” In fact, the very word “slug” brings to the mind’s eye some “thing” that is lazy, sluggish, undirected and listless. Slugs endanger plant life.

But there is something interesting about its use. In this verse, Solomon compared and contrasted the way of the sluggard to an ant. Now, on one hand, few insects in life can be as annoying and bothersome and troublesome as an ant.

On the other hand, however, ants show vivid vision of a work ethic that is worthy of copying. Ants plan and prioritize, are motivated and industrious, disciplined and diligent, self-controlled and self-reliant. Certainly a sign of “applied wisdom” that begins with God.

God’s wisdom is practical, simple and sensible and can lead to our success. The ant is a great example.

Prayer:  Thank You, Father, for illustrating how the little things in life can make such a big difference. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!