Another Wrong Way

It seems as though there are more wrong turns in life than there are right turns. Many begin their careers 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. But, there is one “habit” that is mentioned again and again in Proverbs as a reason for failure: laziness. It is identified more than ten times as the reason for failure.

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 seem to be on everyone's’ “avoid at all costs” list because they endanger plant life.

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

On the other hand, however, ants show a 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 began with God in creation.

God’s wisdom is practical, simple and sensible and can lead to our success. The ant is a great example: its wisdom, as does ours, comes from God!

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for illustrating how little things in life can make a big difference. May we accept wisdom, that comes from You, guide us and guard us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 6:6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!