Ants. Proverbs 6:1-11

This is an interesting passage from Proverbs. A dad is giving some practical advice for life and addresses what to do if you find yourself trapped by a contract gone bad. Work your way out of it he says. I remember being somewhat lazy as a teenager, but I don't remember my dad ever telling me to work like an ant, but it's good advice. I certainly don't think he ever called me a sluggard, even though it may have been appropriate. Sometimes a hard word is necessary. There is a principle in this passage that says if you don't work ruin will come to you. So get to work you sluggard! I mean that in the best possible way.

Proverbs 6:1-11
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have struck hands in pledge for another,
2 if you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,
3 then do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands:
Go and humble yourself;
press your plea with your neighbor!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the bird-catcher.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.

Questions
1. Why do you think this father is so intent on getting his son to work?
2. How do you think hard work affects our witness as Christians?
3. What will stick with you about this passage?