Proverbs 30:25
the ants are a people not strong,
yet they provide their food in the summer;
Tag: Industry and Work Ethic
This proverb is actually part of a larger group of proverbs, stressing a point: Size doesn’t diminish our capacity for wisdom and ability to get wisdom:
Proverbs 30:24-28
Four things on earth are small,
but they are exceedingly wise:
the ants are a people not strong,
yet they provide their food in the summer;
the rock badgers are a people not mighty,
yet they make their homes in the cliffs;
the locusts have no king,
yet all of them march in rank;
the lizard you can take in your hands,
yet it is in kings' palaces.
The wisdom of the ant is seen in their ability to gather food in the summer, to be prepare for the winter. Yes, they are small and can lift an amazing amount of weight, despite their size. But, the teaching in this proverbs is their wisdom to use the skills they have (strength in numbers) to prepare their community, during summer, for a harsh winter. They are the example of teamwork and strength in numbers. They are wise enough to support each other and to work at a high rate for a long time to be able to stay alive. The ant is industrious and has a great work ethic. But, Solomon is teaching us that industry and work ethic means little, if you don’t have the wisdom to employ it and utilize that strength, power, teamwork and preparation. Wisdom is the principle thing. Get wisdom and it will allow you to fully utilize the other skills.
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