Learning From the Ant

Proverbs 6:6-11 (MSG) You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy--do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest!

• 6:6 (AMP) Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise!—


• Job 12:7a, 9, 10 (NIV) "But ask the animals, and they will teach you…which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this [allowed calamity to befall Job]? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.


• Proverbs 30:25 (NASB) The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer;

The instruction was simple, but profound. "You think you have it made, do you. You can rest awhile. Well, consider the ant. And be wise." The lesson to be learned in your observation is not just to collect facts, and information, and a body of knowledge; rather, learn to be wise.

The ant society has no leader, no guide, no management team, but follows only the instinct of nature living out the patterns set forth by its Creator. Our work is not just our job; a believer’s work is to “make disciples” no matter what we are doing. From the ant we learn that we are to “redeem the time” in following the Great Commission. It is our responsibility – not the pastor’s our some other spiritual leader. Ours.

Here is a collection of 16 ant “behaviors” that mirror human behavior. Observe and be wise.

Armed Forces: During attack, they will raise up an army of specialized soldier ants
Career Training: Ants learn particular jobs, especially worker ants, then, on some schedule, change & learn new careers
Childcare: Ants feed their young and provide intensive nursery care
Civic Duties: During catastrophes, respond with massive group projects
Controlling Climate: Ant nests maintain a strict 77o F. for developing ants
Communications: Ants have a complex tactile, chemical communication system
Cultivation: They forage, but also grow underground gardens for food
Earth Movers: Ants move at least as much soil as earthworms – consider the size difference and then be astounded!
Education: Ants may be the only group of animals besides us in which interactive teaching behavior has been observed during their life: they teach younger ants the tricks of the trade.
Engineering: Incredible ability to tunnel from two directions and meet exactly midway
Flood Control: When building nests, incorporate water traps to keep out rain
Limited Free Will: It seems that ant inter-relationships more symbiotic than coercive
Livestock Farming: Ants will herd aphids down to their nest at night, "milk" them for nectar-like food, and when it warms during the day, herd the aphids back up to plants
Planning: Ants store food in the warm summer to feed a colony all of winter
Security: Ants maintain a security system, warding off other ants, insects, and animals
Social Planning: Colonies maintain ratio of worker ants, soldier ants, and ants tasked with reproducing

© Copyright 2006 P. Griffith Lindell