Thought for the Day

Verses 24-28 - Agur continued teaching through observations of nature. The following creatures are described as small, and yet possessing a unique wisdom that gives them a great advantage:

The Ant: This tiny creature is applauded for its industry. During summer, it stores food for the long winter months. We all face difficult times when we need a reserve of money to fall back on. Today we call it "saving for a rainy day." Saving prudently is not the same as hoarding. Hoarding has a fear and greed element, while preparing for the future is wise. By God's direction, Joseph stored up grain in Egypt during seven years of bounty in order to feed Egypt and other nations during seven years of famine (Genesis 41).

The Coney: Although scholars are uncertain which animal is meant by the Hebrew for coney, we may assume that it was a small rabbit-like and vulnerable animal. However, it achieved safety because it made its home in rocky fortresses. Larger animals could not navigate in the rocks as well as open ground; nor could they uncover its rocky home. We can learn from this animal by making our homes secure before we purchase other things. Many people take secondary loans against their houses instead of paying off the mortgage. This is unwise, as a mortgage-free house provides security in difficult times.

The Locust: Locusts are considered to be wise also. Although they have no king or ruler, they join together in organized ranks when they attack an area. They can fly for miles, often all day, landing in the evening to form "camps." As they advance, they strip the land of every growing thing. Christians could well learn from this. If we banded together on major issues that are coming against our Christian principles and rights, we could ravage the enemy, even as the locusts ravage a field when they attack. Each one devours the foliage directly around them, and as they all go forward, soon there is nothing left in the field. If every Christian attacked the field of evil in their area, we could win the entire battle that the devil has assailed against us.

The Spider: Not even a king can keep spiders out of his palace. It is able to climb quickly to high places or find hidden low places, wisely avoiding open areas. Like the spider, we would be wise to be discreet in our affairs. Careless boasting and parading ourselves, invites a fall. King Hezekiah was rebuked by the prophet Isaiah for displaying his treasures to the envoys of Babylon. Those same treasures were carried off 250 years later by the very nation to whom he displayed them (2 Kings 20:12-17).

Wisdom compensates for the smallest creatures, giving them protection and great power. I believe this list of creatures is included in Proverbs so that we can learn to be as resourceful as they are in many practical areas of life.