Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! Proverbs 6:6 (NIV)

I’ve wondered about Proverbs 6:6. How could an ant teach anyone about being wise? Then I met five unique ants. Allow me to introduce them to you:

The first ant is something of a dunce. His friends called him Ignor-ant. It’s a good name for him. He’s completely disinterested in spiritual things, ignorant to his own shame and ignorant about the things of God (cf. Isaiah 44:9; 1 Corinthians 15:34).

Ignor-ant has a friend by the name of Reluct-ant. They’re two of a kind. While Ignor-ant is senseless (cf. Psalm 73:22), Reluct-ant is obstinate. The one ignores God and the other holds out against Him.

Fortunately they have three other friends who are trying to win them over. Inf-ant used to be ignorant and reluctant but recently he was born again (cf. John 3:3). Now he’s “a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17. His favourite drink is milk. In fact he’s had a craving for pure milk since he “tasted that the Lord is good” 1 Peter 2:2-3.

Inf-ant is very close to Occup-ant. For some time Occup-ant has been building on the Rock. He’s very industrious. Since the Holy Spirit took up residence in his life he’s been working hard to live for the Lord. He’s always telling the other ants, “Live for Jesus, that’s what matters!”

The fifth ant is victorious. He’s “strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” Ephesians 6:10. He knows that in Christ Jesus he’s more than a conqueror (cf. Romans 8:37). It’s not surprising that he’s the leader of the group, for this ant knows that the challenges ahead of him can be overcome with the power behind him. As you probably guessed, his name is Triumph-ant.