Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. ~ Proverbs 6:6-8

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. ~ Proverbs  6:10-11

This chapter provides much practical wisdom for daily living. The father warns his son to be careful of loaning money in verses 1-5. In verses 6-8, we are told to look at the smallest of creatures for an example of industry and diligence. The ant has no guide and yet works faithfully. We have many guides: a conscience, the Bible, and pastors; yet we often fail to keep ourselves mindfully employed. The ant has no ruler, yet we have one holy and supreme Ruler, the King of Kings. How then, can we become distracted? Because of our sinful natures. Unlike the ant, we have many abilities and talents. We can make choices. My goal is to make the right choices, to be active in the things God would have me to do.

Verses 10-11 warn against the dangers of laziness. I am prone to that! I often wake and think “just a little more sleep”. The flesh is so hard to control at times. Laziness is not just exhibited by too much slumber, but also by using work time for our pleasures, or in putting off tasks that should be tackled immediately. I have to work at not indulging in the whims of my flesh. I am looking forward to the day when I can be in my glorified, flesh-free body in Heaven.

How can we manage our flesh and fight laziness? Again I quote theologian Charles Bridges:

• Live by rule
• Have a schedule
• Be employed in God’s work early
• Store useful knowledge in the mind
• Study and pray over God’s Word
• Remember, repetition forms the habit, habit forms the character.

I am enjoying our “March” through this wonderful book. As Psalm 119:130 says, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Hey, that’s me!)

Thank you for joining me!