This morning, I was reminded of Proverbs 6:6–11 in the most ordinary way. My alarm went off at 4:00 a.m.—and instead of getting up, I turned it off and let myself sleep in. It’s Saturday, after all, and a little extra rest felt wonderful.
But when I finally woke up, I realized that while I felt refreshed, I had cut myself short. There wasn’t enough time to do all the things I needed to do before leaving the house.
It made me think of Solomon’s words:
📖 “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 6:10–11
God isn’t against rest—He created Sabbath, after all! But this passage is a reminder that while rest is good, unchecked laziness steals from us. It robs us of preparation, productivity, and peace. And sometimes, even “a little more sleep” can shift the whole course of a day.
The Wisdom of the Ant
In Proverbs 6, Solomon tells us to “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!”
Ants don’t need a boss standing over them, yet they faithfully gather food in summer and store up for the winter. They live with purpose, discipline, and foresight.
📖 “It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” – Proverbs 6:7–8
The ant reminds us that diligence doesn’t come from external pressure—it comes from within.
The Danger of Laziness
The proverb warns that laziness creeps in quietly:
A little sleep, a little slumber…
It rarely feels dramatic. Instead, it sneaks in through procrastination, excuses, or comfort. But the cost is real—missed opportunities, broken discipline, and spiritual drift.
Applying Proverbs 6 to Family Life
- In Parenting and Sports – Just as kids train in sports through consistent practice, they grow in faith through consistent habits—prayer, Bible reading, showing up for each other.
- In Home and Work – Whether it’s meal prepping, managing schedules, or handling chores, diligence creates stability and peace in the home.
- In Spiritual Growth – Faith doesn’t grow on autopilot. Like the ant, we must intentionally sow into our relationship with God.
Encouragement for Today
God isn’t calling us to perfectionism or burnout—He’s calling us to intentional living. The ant teaches us that steady, faithful effort brings wisdom, while unchecked laziness brings hardship.
📖 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Closing Reflection
Proverbs 6:6–11 challenges us to be diligent, intentional, and faithful. The ant may be small, but its example is mighty. Let’s carry that lesson into our homes, onto the ball fields, and into our daily walk with God.
👉 Where is God nudging you to choose diligence over “a little more sleep”? Let me know in the comments.