#1316. Proverbs 6:6–11 – Go to the ant! (28/7/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
Today, as we reflect on Proverbs 6:6-11, we see that it is God’s will for us to work diligently, as work is His ordinary means of provision. We are also called to be both loving and firm when addressing irresponsibility.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
‘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 thief and scarcity like an armed man.’ (Proverbs 6:6-11)
Proverbs 6:6-11 urges us to learn from the ant—diligent, self-motivated, and prepared for the future. This lesson on hard work closely connects to the previous warning about making unwise commitments to meet others' needs. Too often, people seek to benefit from the hard-earned resources of others, and we may enable this under the mistaken belief that mercy cannot include hard truths such as are found in today’s passage.
The ant’s industriousness serves as a model not only for our own diligence but also for how we engage with those who expect to be bailed out. True mercy does not shield someone from the natural consequences of laziness or irresponsibility. Rather, it lovingly challenges them to take responsibility—to work hard, plan ahead, and provide for themselves. Genuine kindness seeks the ultimate good of others, even when that means saying "no" to unhealthy dependence.
This passage invites us to self-examination: Are we working with diligence and wisdom, like the ant? Are we enabling irresponsibility by giving without discernment? Mercy and wisdom must go hand in hand as we support and challenge those around us.
We see this principle reinforced in the New Testament:
‘For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.’ (2 Thessalonians 3:7-12)
Let’s pray together
“Lord Jesus, teach me how to work hard. According to my age, ability, and opportunities, may I serve you in the way that I work. You teach us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread,” and I thank you that this is usually done through the provision of work. Please help me to be wise and inspire wisdom in others. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
Week #8. Proverbs 6:6-29. Use the lamp of God’s wisdom
1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?
2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.
3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?
4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.
5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?
Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
6. Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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