For those of you new to Free Money Finance, I post on The Bible and Money every Sunday. Here's why.
Today I'm posting Proverbs 6:6-11, a series of verses that talks about two main topics: 1) the need to save some of your excess now for future use and 2) the value of hard work (which, if not followed, can lead to financial ruin).
Our example in these verses is the lowly ant, who, despite having no leader (in the traditional sense), works hard to gather at a time of plenty so that he may be fed in a time of need.
The verses start singing the praises of the ant, then go on to warn about what will happen if you are not diligent like he is (a theme that recurs again and again in Proverbs.)
As usual, I'll share from three different translations. Let's start with the NIV version:
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
Next is the Contemporary English Version:
You lazy people can learn by watching an anthill. Ants don’t have leaders, but they store up food during harvest season.
How long will you lie there doing nothing at all? When are you going to get up and stop sleeping? Sleep a little. Doze a little. Fold your hands and twiddle your thumbs. Suddenly, everything is gone, as though it had been taken by an armed robber.
And finally, words from the Message:
You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions.
So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest!
As you know, I’m a fan of saving today for future needs as well as putting a full effort into your work. As such, I LOVE these verses.
Thoughts and comments?
It is perfect for those who keep looking for an earthly 'commander' to supply their needs instead of taking personal responsibility.
Posted by: Bruin | July 22, 2012 at 10:02 AM
What is the modern application in an economy in which there is a job shortage likely to endure for a long time and in which there are a growing number of low-wage workers without sufficient income to save adequately?
There must be a growing number of tapped out long-term unemployed who previously had saved what they expected to be a more than reasonable cushion for economic hiccups.
Posted by: Terry | July 22, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Modern day thoughts have convinced many to do the opposite.
It is only $5 more a month for a car.
Easy monthly payments.
Easy credit.
How many people got caught up with the minimum monthly payment on CC before cut off?
Too many.
Too many people tried to have a way of living that was beyond what they could afford.
Too many people lived for today and let the tomorrow take care of itself.
Well tomorrow is here and it was not taken care of and there is nothing left for you to survive on.
God provided but he can only provide so much. It was your free will that made the choices you are living with.
Posted by: Matt | July 22, 2012 at 07:51 PM
@Matt,
You are quite correct.
The ant parable contrasts those who are diligent about storing for the future with those who are lazy and do nothing to store. But alas the modern day person is not just not storing. They are not just spending all they have today. They are buying today with money from the future. Consuming things today with money from future years. They are not just poor but have mortgaged their future as well.
Consumer credit is the greatest wealth stealer of all.
Posted by: Apex | July 22, 2012 at 11:18 PM
I really like these posts that you do because its so interesting to see how Bible proverbs can translate directly into everyday life so many years later. This one is basically saying "don't let money burn a hole in your pocket". Thinking about the right now and spending money that you have just because you have it is the number one factor playing into the lives of those who can't/don't save. I think it comes with maturity to realize that although there are things you may want now, its a better idea to save that extra cash for the future.
Posted by: [email protected] | July 23, 2012 at 12:27 PM
I also love Proverbs 24:30 which speaks of the consequences of being lazy.
Posted by: vas | July 23, 2012 at 03:23 PM