The Wisdom of Diligence

Text: Proverbs 6:6–11; Proverbs 10:4–5 Series: Wisdom for Life (Sermon 4) Date: August 3, 2025

Introduction:

The book of Proverbs doesn't just offer lofty ideas; it offers down-to-earth wisdom for daily living. Wisdom in Proverbs is not merely intellectual—it is practical. It's about living in a way that honors God in the mundane moments of life—at work, at home, in our habits and responsibilities.

As we continue in our Wisdom for Life series, today’s passages bring us to a very practical topic: the way we handle our responsibilities—both in everyday life and in our walk with God. Proverbs 6 and 10 teach us two important lessons. First, they speak to our daily work ethic—how we manage our time, efforts, and tasks, whether at home, at work, or in service to others. Second, they point to our spiritual diligence—how faithfully we pursue God through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and mission. These verses remind us that both forms of diligence matter to God. How we live in the ordinary moments of life reflects the kind of wisdom we are walking in.

Today, we turn to Proverbs 6:6–11 and 10:4–5, where Solomon gives us a surprisingly profound teacher: the ant. And he issues a strong warning against its opposite—the sluggard. These verses give us a powerful truth:

Big Idea: Diligence is the wise choice that leads to abundance, while laziness brings about poverty; embracing this principle is essential for a fruitful Christian life.

Let’s examine this truth through three insights drawn from Solomon’s teaching: the first being “Learn from the ant’s wisdom - A lesson in diligence.

Proverbs 6:6–8 NKJV

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, 7 Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, 8 Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.

I. The Ant’s Wisdom: A Lesson in Diligence

Solomon directs our attention to one of the smallest creatures in God’s creation: the ant. In ancient Israel, agriculture dominated life, so this metaphor would have resonated with his readers. He’s speaking to the sluggard—a Hebrew term (ʿāṣēl) used 14 times in Proverbs—meaning someone habitually lazy or negligent.

The ant:

Works without supervision (v. 7): No boss or supervisor is needed to keep her going. She works in season, preparing during harvest for what lies ahead.

Prepares for the future (v. 8): She gathers in the harvest when the opportunity is ripe.

In ancient agricultural societies, this picture would have hit home. Those who failed to prepare during harvest risked starvation in the winter. The ant is wise because she works in anticipation, not just reaction.

Footnote:

¹ The Hebrew word for “ant” (nemālāh, נְמָלָה) is a feminine noun, so the pronouns “she” and “her” follow standard grammatical agreement. Interestingly, this also aligns with natural observation: in ant colonies, the worker ants—those who gather food and build—are sterile females. Solomon’s use of the feminine is thus both grammatically appropriate and biologically fitting.

The Gospel Fulfillment

Jesus said, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” (John 5:17). Christ diligently labored for our redemption. His obedience was not forced by an external authority—He worked out of love for the Father and compassion for us.

He prepared for the future, not by storing grain, but by securing eternity: “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2–3).

He taught us to prioritize God's Kingdom: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Think about a small business owner. No one clocks them in or tells them when to start. They open the shop early, balance the books late, and handle everything in between—not because someone forces them, but because the future depends on today’s effort. That’s the diligence of the ant.

Proverbs 6:9–11 (NKJV) 9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— 11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

II. The Consequences of Laziness

Solomon now addresses the sluggard directly. His tone becomes sharper—Solomon doesn’t just describe laziness—he rebukes it. This is a rhetorical wake-up call.

The danger is not a single moment of rest, but a pattern: “a little... a little... a little...” that grows into a lifestyle.

The consequence is not merely inconvenience, but calamity: poverty will come upon you like a robber—suddenly, unexpectedly, and destructively.

In the ancient world, laziness wasn’t merely inefficient—it was dangerous. Harvests missed meant famine. This principle translates today into spiritual and practical loss.

Spiritual Parallels:

Spiritual laziness can rob us of joy, effectiveness, and even assurance.

Jesus warns against slothfulness repeatedly:

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Matt. 26:41).

In the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14–30), the unfaithful servant who buried his gift was not guilty of rebellion, but of inactivity.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…” (Luke 10:2). God’s work calls for laborers, not loungers.

Proverbs 10:4–5 NKJV

4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

III. Honoring God Through Timely Diligence

Solomon again links laziness to ruin and diligence to blessing. But this time, he frames it in the context of a household—of sons who either honor or disgrace their families. This would have resonated strongly in an honor-shame culture like ancient Israel, where a son’s work ethic was a reflection of his character and upbringing.

The “prudent son” (Hebrew: maskil, meaning wise or discerning) gathers in summer—he works when it counts, taking initiative at the right time.

The “shameful son” is inactive when it matters most—during harvest—and brings reproach.

The emphasis here is not just on hard work, but timely and responsible work that reflects character and brings honor.

Christ Connection:

Jesus is the true and faithful Son who did the will of His Father (John 4:34 “34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” ).

He declared, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4). He understood the urgency of God’s timing.

At every crucial “harvest” moment—whether healing the sick, teaching the lost, or enduring the cross—Jesus acted with purpose and honor.

Imagine a farmer who, when the fields are ripe for harvest, decides to take a nap. He wakes up days later to find the crops spoiled. The window is gone. The loss is permanent. That’s what happens when we sleep through the seasons of opportunity God puts before us.

Ask yourself: If God examined the way I use my time and opportunities, would I be called a prudent child—or a shameful one?

Don’t miss the harvest. The time to act is today.

Diligence honors God, blesses others, and positions you for greater usefulness in His Kingdom.

Closing Invitation: Responding to the Call of Wisdom

As we’ve seen today, God’s Word calls us to examine our hearts and habits. The ant teaches us diligence. The sluggard warns us of neglect. And the diligent son reminds us that wisdom always bears fruit in its season.

But the truth is—we’ve all had moments of spiritual slumber. We've procrastinated in prayer, been slow to obey, and distracted from God's mission. And that’s why we need more than just a better work ethic—we need a Savior who redeems our wasted time and empowers our renewed walk.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of wisdom. He did the work we could never do—He lived righteously, died sacrificially, and rose victoriously. And today He invites us not only to believe in Him, but to walk in His wisdom—diligently, faithfully, fruitfully.

So let me ask you:

Where is the Spirit calling you to wake up?

What step of obedience have you been delaying?

Are you preparing for eternity—or are you spiritually asleep?

To the believer, this is your moment to re-commit. To shake off spiritual laziness and take hold of what God has called you to do—whether in your home, your workplace, your ministry, or your walk with Him.

To the seeker, if you’ve never trusted in Christ, today is the day of salvation. Don’t wait until the harvest has passed. Come to Jesus—the One who gives true wisdom and everlasting life. He is ready to receive you.

Let’s be a people marked by diligence—not because we’re trying to earn God’s favor, but because we’ve received His grace.

“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

If you need prayer, counsel, or you're ready to make a decision for Christ—come. We’re here to walk with you.

Let wisdom begin its work in you today.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wisdom of Your Word. Forgive us for when we have fallen into spiritual laziness. Teach us, like the ant, to prepare, to work, and to trust You for provision. May we follow Christ—the perfect example of diligence—who labored in love to save us. Empower us by Your Spirit to live fruitful lives, reflecting the righteousness and wisdom that honor Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

OBSERVANCE OF THE COMMUNION

Now we turn our hearts to the Lord’s Table, a sacred moment to remember the finished work of Christ.

Jesus was never idle in His mission. He obeyed the Father fully, gave His life willingly, and completed the work of redemption. The Lord’s Supper reminds us of His sacrifice—His body broken and His blood shed for our salvation.

Invite those who will help

At this time, I’d like to invite our deacons, and those who are helping, to come forward and help in serving the bread and the cup.

The Bread

“This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” (1 Cor. 11:24)

Take and eat, remembering Christ’s body given for you.

The Cup

“This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this… in remembrance of Me.” (1 Cor. 11:25)

Take and drink, remembering His blood poured out for your forgiveness.

Closing Prayer

Lord God, Thank You for Your Word and for the grace we’ve received through Christ. As we remember His body and blood, stir our hearts to live with renewed diligence and devotion. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to walk wisely, serve faithfully, and honor You in all we do.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.