June 9, 2023 - Proverbs 4-6

The Bible is a fascinating book. It directs us to God. It tells us the truth about ourselves and invites us to the Savior. It tells us that all we have is a gift from God, and at the same time, instructs us that we must labor diligently for what we would have. The Bible affirms personal ambition (with the caveat of Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”) and hard work. A great encouragement and important warning from Proverbs:

"Go to the ant, you slacker!

Observe its ways and become wise.

Without leader, administrator, or ruler,

it prepares its provisions in summer;

it gathers its food during harvest.

How long will you stay in bed, you slacker?

When will you get up from your sleep?

a little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the arms to rest,

and your poverty will come like a robber,

your need, like a bandit." (6:6-11)

We, for whom God the Son came down

And labored for our good,

How careless to secure that crown

He purchased with His blood.

Lord, shall we lie so sluggish still,

And never act our parts?

Come, holy Dove, from th’ heavenly hill,

Renew and warm our hearts. –Isaac Watts (1766)