Go to the Ant
One of the themes of the book of Proverbs is that we should not be slothful. Perhaps the most famous statement on this subject is this one: “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). Ants work hard without having anyone to tell them what to do, preparing their food for the future, and we should do likewise. In another passage we read, “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat” (Proverbs 13:4). This reminds me of Paul’s words to the Saints: “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Another proverb similarly suggests that without work one will not have anything to eat: “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing” (Proverbs 20:4). Ano...