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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 6:6 Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/6-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_06_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 6:6 - Warnings Against Foolishness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/6-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/6-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm" title="Proverbs 6:5">◄</a> Proverbs 6:6 <a href="/proverbs/6-7.htm" title="Proverbs 6:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, O lazy one; Observe her ways and be wise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You lazy people can learn by watching an anthill. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Consider the ant, you lazy bum. Watch its ways, and become wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Lazy people should learn a lesson from the way ants live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you lazy man! Observe its ways and become wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you sluggard; observe its ways and be wise! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Go to the ant, O slothful one, "" See her ways and be wise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Go unto the ant, O slothful one, See her ways and be wise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Go to the ant, thou slothful one; see her ways, and be wise:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, O sluggard, and consider her ways, and learn wisdom: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you lazy one, and consider her ways, and so learn wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Go to the ant, O sluggard, study her ways and learn wisdom; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Go to the ant, you lazybones; consider its ways, and be wise.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Be like the ant, consider her ways, and be wise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Be like the ant and see her ways and learn, for there is no harvest for her,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Go to the ant, O sluggard; and see, and emulate his ways, and become wiser than he.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/6-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=944" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/6.htm">Warnings Against Foolishness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lêḵ- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">Walk in the manner of</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5244.htm" title="5244: nə·mā·lāh (N-fs) -- An ant. Feminine from namal; an ant.">the ant,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6102.htm" title="6102: ‘ā·ṣêl (Adj-ms) -- Sluggish, lazy. From atsal; indolent.">O slacker;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rə·’êh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">observe</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: ḏə·rā·ḵe·hā (N-cpc:: 3fs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">its ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/2449.htm" title="2449: wa·ḥă·ḵām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To be wise. A primitive root, to be wise.">and become wise.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-24.htm">Proverbs 30:24-25</a></span><br />Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise: / The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4-5</a></span><br />Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. / He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a></span><br />The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a></span><br />The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a></span><br />I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18</a></span><br />Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Matthew 25:26-30</a></span><br />‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. / Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. / Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10-12</a></span><br />For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11-12</a></span><br />and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a></span><br />If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a></span><br />He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-34.htm">Genesis 41:34-36</a></span><br />Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. / Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities. / This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/6-21.htm">Genesis 6:21</a></span><br />You are also to take for yourself every kind of food that is eaten and gather it as food for yourselves and for the animals.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-24.htm">Luke 12:24</a></span><br />Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17</a></b></br> Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/12-7.htm">Job 12:7,8</a></b></br> But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-3.htm">Isaiah 1:3</a></b></br> The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: <i>but</i> Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.</p><p class="hdg">thou</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-9.htm">Proverbs 6:9</a></b></br> How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-26.htm">Proverbs 10:26</a></b></br> As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so <i>is</i> the sluggard to them that send him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a></b></br> The soul of the sluggard desireth, and <i>hath</i> nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/20-17.htm">Ant</a> <a href="/psalms/143-5.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/psalms/119-113.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/judges/18-9.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Sluggard</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-10.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/20-17.htm">Ant</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-9.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-9.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-9.htm">Sluggard</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-25.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-9.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/6-1.htm">against indebtedness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">idleness </a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">and mischievousness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">seven things detestable to God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">the blessings of obedience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/6-25.htm">the mischief of unfaithfulness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker;</b><br>The ant is used as a model of diligence and industriousness. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, ants were often observed for their hard work and ability to prepare for the future. The term "slacker" refers to someone who is lazy or idle, a common theme in wisdom literature that warns against the dangers of laziness. The Bible frequently contrasts the diligent with the lazy, emphasizing the importance of hard work (<a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a>, <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a>). The ant's behavior is a practical example of the virtues of foresight and preparation, which are valued in biblical teachings.<p><b>observe its ways and become wise.</b><br>Observing the ant's ways implies careful study and reflection on its behavior. Wisdom in the biblical sense is not just knowledge but the application of knowledge in a way that aligns with God's will. The ant's ability to work without supervision and its foresight in gathering food for the future are qualities that the Bible encourages believers to emulate. This call to wisdom is echoed throughout Proverbs, where wisdom is personified and portrayed as a path to life and prosperity (<a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a>). The ant's example serves as a reminder that wisdom often comes from observing and learning from God's creation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ant.htm">The Ant</a></b><br>A small, industrious insect known for its diligence and ability to work collectively. In this verse, the ant serves as a model of wisdom and hard work.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sluggard.htm">The Sluggard</a></b><br>A person characterized by laziness and a lack of initiative. The sluggard is admonished to learn from the ant's example.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was a king of Israel known for his wisdom. He uses the ant as a metaphor to teach about diligence and wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_diligence.htm">The Value of Diligence</a></b><br>The ant exemplifies the importance of hard work and preparation. Christians are encouraged to be diligent in their work, reflecting God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/learning_from_creation.htm">Learning from Creation</a></b><br>God uses His creation to teach us valuable lessons. Observing the ant's behavior can inspire us to be more industrious and wise.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_laziness.htm">Avoiding Laziness</a></b><br>Laziness leads to poverty and unfulfilled potential. By emulating the ant, we can avoid the pitfalls of slothfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_preparation.htm">Wisdom in Preparation</a></b><br>The ant prepares for the future, teaching us the importance of planning and foresight in our personal and spiritual lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_cooperation.htm">Community and Cooperation</a></b><br>Ants work together for the common good, reminding us of the importance of community and cooperation in the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/diligent_or_slothful_at_work.htm">Are you diligent or slothful in your work?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/diligent_or_slothful_habits.htm">Are you diligent or falling into slothful habits?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_laziness.htm">What does the Bible say about laziness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_an_emp_attack_and_prep_tips.htm">What is an EMP attack and how to prepare?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 6-11.</span> - 10. <span class="accented">Tenth admonitory discourse. Warning against sloth.</span> The ethical connection of this discourse with the preceding has already been pointed out. Sloth militates against prosperity; it is the prolific parent of want, and, even more surely than suretyship, leads to misfortune and ruin, The certainty with which ruin steals upon the sluggard may be the reason why the teacher closes the discourse in the way he does. In the case of suretyship such an issue is uncertain; there is the possibility of escape, the surety may prevail upon his friend to release him from his obligation, and so he may escape ruin; but with sloth no such contingency is possible, its invariable end is disaster. So far as the grammatical structure of the two discourses is concerned, they appear to be quite independent of each other, the only points of coincidence observable being the repetition of one or two words, which is purely accidental (cf. "go" in vers. 3 and 6, and "sleep" and "slumber" in vers. 4 and 10). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.</span> The ant (Hebrew, <span class="accented">n'malah</span>) is here brought forward as supplying an example of wisdom to the sluggard. The habits of this insect, its industry and providence, have in all ages made it the symbol of these two qualities, and not only the sacred, but also profane writers have praised its foresight, and held it up for imitation. The ant is only mentioned twice in the Old Testament, and on both occasions in our book (see present passage and <a href="/proverbs/30-25.htm">Proverbs 30:25</a>). The derivation of <span class="accented">n'malah</span> is either from the root <span class="accented">nam</span>, with reference first to the silence with which it moves, and secondly to its active yet unperceived motion (Delitzsch), or from <span class="accented">namal</span>, <span class="accented">i.q.</span> <span class="accented">malal</span>, "to cut off," from its cutting off or consuming seeds (<span class="accented">ab incidendis seminibus</span>) (Buxtorf, Gesenius). The Aramaic name, <span class="accented">shum'sh'manah</span>, however, points to its activity and rapid running hither and thither (Fleischer). <span class="accented">Sluggard</span>; Hebrew, <span class="accented">atsel</span>, a verbal adjective tbund only in the Proverbs. The primary idea of the root <span class="accented">atsal</span> is that of languor and laxity. The cognate abstract nouns <span class="accented">ats'lah</span> and <span class="accented">ats'luth</span>, equivalent to "slothfulness," occur in <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Proverbs 19:15</a>; <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Proverbs 31:27</a>. <span class="accented">Consider her ways</span>; attentively regard them, and from them derive a lesson of wisdom. Her ways are the manner in which the ant displays her industry and foresight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/6-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Walk in the manner of</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵֽךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(lêḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ant,</span><br /><span class="heb">נְמָלָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(nə·mā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5244.htm">Strong's 5244: </a> </span><span class="str2">An ant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O sluggard;</span><br /><span class="heb">עָצֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ṣêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6102.htm">Strong's 6102: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sluggish, lazy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">observe</span><br /><span class="heb">רְאֵ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(rə·’êh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its ways</span><br /><span class="heb">דְרָכֶ֣יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(ḏə·rā·ḵe·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and be wise:</span><br /><span class="heb">וַחֲכָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be wise</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant you sluggard (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 6:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 6:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/6-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 6:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 6:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>