A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. Proverbs 20:4
Atsel (aw-tsale’): indolent — slothful, sluggard.
From atsal (aw-tsal’): A primitive root; to lean idly, i.e. To be indolent or slack — be slothful.
In other words, a sluggard is a slacker. One who is not diligent and devoted to the job at hand.
[The Virtuous Wife] She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27
One of the distinct characteristics about the virtuous wife is her refusal of participation in idleness. We are not to slack; we are not to be keeping from our labor in the time we should be working, otherwise we miss out on more in the end.
He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! Proverbs 28:19
Being focused and distracted on silly matters; being frivolous with our time will only bring lack. Setbacks generally occur due to earnestness and employment in unimportant matters. Those who are diligent and self-disciplined will not go without.
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. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11
The Word challenges us to observe the ant; to look at its ways of sowing and reaping. Let’s observe some other things about the ant.
This site shared that worker ants are sterile, they look for food, they look after the young, and they defend the nest from unwanted visitors. Ants are clean and tidy insects. Some are even given the job of taking the rubbish from the nest to their special rubbish dump.
Wikipedia shared that the ant is known for their highly organized colony and nest. Also, ants may be the only group besides primates and some other mammals in which teaching occurs. For example, experienced ants will lead inexperienced nest-mates to new food sources by tandem running.
We would be well to remember the ant and how they implement the roles and talents they were given. We too can and should implement the same in our own lives and for our own home, family and community.
Just from the short amount shared about ants, we see a great similarity of calling between us and them.
“Titus 2 gives a great glimpse into how wives will contribute to their own families… It tells us in verse 3 to have a visible demeanor of suitable behavior according to what is holy and reverent… teaching what is worthy, right, and good. In verse 4 and 5, it goes on to say to be self-controlled… to be virtuous – modest, clean, pure; to be with devout reverence to God, our Lord; to stay at home for the purpose of keeping them clean and orderly, guarding what comes in and to keep watch over the family; and to be submissive to our husbands and help them in the way they need help…” – From my post “It takes a Strong Woman”
In short. Don’t be a slacker! haha Oh boy…
Lord You certainly never stop challenging me! Be with me and help me! In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen.
