The Ants in the Field

Go to the ant, you sluggard

The Fields outside the City · In the days of King Solomon · Midday · Prov 6:6–11; 24:30–34

Story

My son, let's go out through the gate into the fields. The sun is high, and people are already out reaping grain. Crouch down here by the path and take a look at these little ones. Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. She has no chief, no overseer and no ruler, yet she prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provisions at harvest.

Now look at that field over there. I passed by the field of the sluggard and the vineyard of the man who lacks sense, and look: thorns have spread all over it, weeds cover the ground, and its stone wall has fallen down. And the owner is lying fast asleep in the shade of a tree. 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 robber and want like an armed man. My son, I saw this and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction. You can learn diligence even from that tiny ant. Let's head back to the market before the sun goes down.

Sayings

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. She has no chief, no overseer and no ruler, yet she prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provisions 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 robber and want like an armed man.

I passed by the field of the sluggard and the vineyard of the man who lacks sense, and thorns had spread all over it, weeds covered the ground, and its stone wall had fallen down. I saw it and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Prov 6:6–11; 24:30–34

Background

Pause and Reflect