What do ants, badgers, locusts, and lizards have in common? What lessons of wisdom are there for us to learn from them? That’s the question I want to ask and answer in this blog post from the book of Proverbs as we look at this scripture:
Four are among the tiniest on earth, yet they are the wisest of the wise.
The ants are a people with no power, yet they prepare food for themselves in the summer.
The badgers are a people without strength, yet they make a home in the rock.
The locust has no king, yet he marches forth in formation.
The lizard can be grasped in the hands, yet it is found in the palace of the king.
(Proverbs 30:25-28)
The observation of the Sage here draws our attention to the superlative nature of wisdom found in the animal kingdom, where he has found “the wisest of the wise.”
The first group of animals are the ants (this is what the Hebrew lexicon suggests as most probable). What is striking about them is they “prepare, or make ready” food and drink. This action of the ants displays wisdom in that they show “skill” in preparing for what their needs will be in the future instead of squandering what they harvest immediately on wanton pleasures (as for example the sluggard does in Prov. 24:30-34). The wise person similarly delays gratification.
The second animal is the rock badger, a species without strength or power, yet they “make a home” (Lit. "to set up, install, place, or lay”) in the rock or cliffs. This also exhibits “wisdom/skill” in that they are using the limited materials accessible to them but they are still able to make due quite well. This is something humanity needs to emulate.
The third observation has to do with the locust. The Hebrew lexicon, HALOT, suggests this refers to migratory locusts which “go forth (as in to battle)” in the military sense in formation. Literally it reads they are “divided into groups.” This behavior also displays wisdom in that the locust is not in need of a king to organize themselves and delegate, rather they are skillful in that they are doing it without even being asked or commanded to do so. We can learn a lesson about cooperation and self-motivation from these bugs!
The final lesson is drawn from the lizard, again, the Hebrew lexicon (HALOT) suggests this is “a type of lizard, or wall gecko.” The lizard displays wisdom in that it is able to navigate its way into important places despite its ability to be seen and caught easily. This animal displays both elusiveness and boldness. We need to learn to be shrewd and adaptive.
What do we learn here? As God's people, we can learn the value of wisdom found on display in these four animals. This wisdom is in spite of their weaknesses in both size and strength, yet they still have success in skill. Their forethought and organization displays wise ingenuity to find security, sustenance, order and cooperation to accomplish goals. Let the one who has ears, hear.
God’s creation has so many lessons of wisdom to be learned by humankind, albeit in strange places.
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
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Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
