6 Go to the ant , O sluggard , Observe her ways and be wise , 7 Which , having no chief , Officer or ruler , 8 Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest . 9 How long will you lie down , O sluggard ? When will you arise from your sleep ? 10 " A little sleep , a little slumber , A little folding of the hands to rest "- 11 Your poverty will come in like a vagabond And your need like an armed man .
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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 6:6-11
Commentary on Proverbs 6:6-11
(Read Proverbs 6:6-11)
Diligence in business is every man's wisdom and duty; not so much that he may attain worldly wealth, as that he may not be a burden to others, or a scandal to the church. The ants are more diligent than slothful men. We may learn wisdom from the meanest insects, and be shamed by them. Habits of indolence and indulgence grow upon people. Thus life runs to waste; and poverty, though at first at a distance, gradually draws near, like a traveller; and when it arrives, is like an armed man, too strong to be resisted. All this may be applied to the concerns of our souls. How many love their sleep of sin, and their dreams of worldly happiness! Shall we not seek to awaken such? Shall we not give diligence to secure our own salvation?