Spiritual Poverty

Go to the ant, O sluggard, consider her ways and be wise. – Proverbs 6:6

It’s quite amazing actually. Men and women are made in the image of God, and yet, sin has taken such a toll on mankind that Solomon encourages the sluggard to consider the ways of the ant – a very small insect – and be wise. The sluggard is the epitome of carelessness and indolence. Described in Proverbs as one who loves sleep (he is anchored to his bed where he turns as on hinges); he makes preposterous excuses so that he doesn’t have to work (Proverbs 26:13-14). His character and business suffer as he shirks from hard work and procrastinates at every step. He is not condemned to this state but, in order to become wise, the changes will have to be monumental.

Learn from the ant, Solomon says. It needs no leader to prod it to work. It knows it must gather food at harvest time; days may be long and hard, but it will work to accomplish its task with diligence and carefulness. The lesson for man is not just to work hard, but to manage his affairs wisely, planning for the future… not just materially but spiritually. Commentator Matthew Henry wrote that “spiritual poverty comes upon those that are slothful in the service to God,” and it will come “silently and insensibly.” Let that not be the case for you.

Spend time with the Lord in His Word. Be prepared for the trials of this life, but be encouraged in your walk with your Savior. Stay strong in your faithful service. Pray diligently for those in government whose faith is being attacked that they may stand firm and do what is right.