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Sermon Introduction

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, which is necessary to reflect on and apply. Too often, humans allow their emotions to lead them in making decisions. Furthermore, we rely too much on our limited understanding of the world. Instead, we should not rely on our understanding. We should always seek guidance in the wisdom of His word. There is something we can learn from ants. Ants diligently store food during the summer, which prepares them for the rainy winter.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Proverbs 6:6-11 ESV

6 Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise.

7 Without having any chief,
officer, or ruler,

8 she prepares her bread in summer
and gathers her food in harvest.

9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,

11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.

Notes

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, which is necessary to reflect on and apply. Too often, humans allow their emotions to lead them in making decisions. Furthermore, we rely too much on our limited understanding of the world. Instead, we should not rely on our understanding. We should always seek guidance in the wisdom of His word. There is something we can learn from ants. Ants diligently store food during the summer, which prepares them for the rainy winter.

1. Ant mindset

   What wisdom may we learn from the ants? Let us observe how they live, and hopefully, we may understand. The ant is self-managing; It does not need a supervisor or manager. The ant will gather for the colony proactively. (Prov. 6:6-8)
   
   6 Go to the ant, O sluggard;
   consider her ways, and be wise.

   7 Without having any chief,
   officer, or ruler,

   8 she prepares her bread in summer
   and gathers her food in harvest.
   
   

2. How long?

   How long will you stay in bed? How long until you rise and get to work? These are rhetorical. The more direct statement would be, “Stop oversleeping and lying around. Get to work now!” (Prov. 6:9)
   
   9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard?
   When will you arise from your sleep?
   
   

3. Laziness and poverty

   While resting is biblical and wise, a little more of it is unwise. When a little more sleep and a little more rest becomes a habit, it will lead to too much wasted time. The consequence is poverty, possibly due to a lack of focused time. (Prov. 6:10-11)
   
   10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
   a little folding of the hands to rest,

   11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
   and want like an armed man.
   
   
   

Application

1. Become a true ant man

   We must take responsibility and give importance to productivity for the sake of the colony. In this case, the colonies could be our family and church community. Our clear intent is to store up the storehouses, not to spend it all away.
   
   

2. End laziness

   Although Scripture instructs us to rest, we should never overdo it. Excessive rest may count as laziness. How long until we get up and work? That is the question of wisdom. It means do not delay. Instead, find ways to become productive.
   
   

3. Anticipate the future

   Resting is good for health; however, too much rest is not suitable for one’s economic standing. A little rest compounded through time is too much time lost. And poverty can surprise us if it attacks suddenly.
   
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. Explain the ways of the ant worth emulating.

2. In what ways can poverty suddenly attack. Cite example within your context.

3. How may we apply the lessons? Cite specific action items.