Why Proverbs Says: “Go to the Ant”

“Ants are a remarkable species. They are highly organized, hard-working, and can survive almost anywhere…At sunrise, the ant colony stirs to life. The ants emerge from their underground homes and immediately start searching for food…Once evening comes, the ants return home. They will be in a dormant state until the following day when the cycle begins again!” ~ A Look at an Ant's Daily Life

When most of us think of ants, we think of pesky little bugs to step on. But God created ants to display some qualities he’d like to see in human beings. Two times in Proverbs, ants are mentioned in a positive light.
 

Proverbs 6:6-8: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
 

Proverbs 30:25: “Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.”
 

God hates laziness, and Proverbs is full of condemnation for sluggards. In addition Paul gave this rule to the Christians at Thessalonica: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

It's easy for Christians to slip into the societal sin of entitlement, thinking we deserve things we can't afford and acting like victims if we don't get them.

We need to remember and maybe even memorize Christ's words below.

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Luke 12:15: Then he [Jesus] said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”