Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Original Language Analysis
לֵֽךְ
H1980
לֵֽךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 7
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
רְאֵ֖ה
consider
H7200
רְאֵ֖ה
consider
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Cross References
Proverbs 20:4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.Proverbs 18:9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.Proverbs 6:9How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?Proverbs 13:4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.Hebrews 6:12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.Proverbs 30:25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;Matthew 25:26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:Romans 12:11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;Proverbs 19:15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.Proverbs 21:25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature frequently drew lessons from nature—Egyptian and Mesopotamian texts used animal imagery for moral instruction. However, Proverbs uniquely presents nature as revealing God's design and moral order. Israel's agricultural economy made seasonal rhythms and work patterns vitally important. Failing to work during harvest meant winter starvation. The ant's instinctive preparation thus illustrated wisdom's practical necessity for survival.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life are you acting like a sluggard rather than learning from the ant's diligence and foresight?
- What spiritual or practical preparations should you be making now for future needs or challenges?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse directs the sluggard to observe the ant for a lesson in diligence. 'Go to the ant, thou sluggard' (lekh-el-nemalah atsel) is a direct command to the lazy person to study the tiny ant. 'Consider her ways, and be wise' calls for observation and application. Verses 7-8 elaborate: though ants have no ruler, they prepare food in summer for winter's need. This natural example teaches foresight, initiative, and responsibility without external compulsion. The sluggard waits for orders or optimal conditions; the ant works diligently because the task requires doing. This principle applies to spiritual disciplines, work ethics, and preparation for future needs. The New Testament similarly commends diligent labor (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12) and wise preparation (Matthew 25:1-13).