6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

Other Translations of Proverbs 6:6

King James Version

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

English Standard Version

6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

The Message

6 You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two.

New King James Version

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,

New Living Translation

6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 6:6

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?