Most of us are impressed by tall people. We are more likely to say “Wow!” when we see a six-foot-nine sports figure than when we see someone short.
But Scripture gives a big plug for little things. Proverbs 30:24 says:
“There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise…”
We should be more impressed by wisdom than by a person’s physical stature. Consider these four small creatures:
“The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer;
The rock badgers are a feeble folk,
Yet they make their homes in the crags;
The locusts have no king,
Yet they all advance in ranks;
The spider skillfully grasps with its hands,
And it is in kings’ palaces.” Proverbs 30:25–28
The first is the ant. Elsewhere, the Bible tells us to consider her ways and be wise. Ants are busier than busy beavers, always working. In the same way, Christians should always abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain.
“Learn from these four little creatures: prepare like the ant, make Christ your Rock, advance with other believers in unity, and persist like the spider. Though small, they are exceedingly wise.”
But this particular verse reminds us that although the ant is not strong, it has the good sense to prepare for the future.
As Christians, we recognize our weakness yet prepare for eternity. We should be so heavenly minded that we are of great earthly use. We lay up treasure in heaven and feed daily on the Word of God, for it gives us the strength to labor. Jesus said:
“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes…” John 9:4
Another small animal from which we can learn is the rock badger. It makes its home among the rocks. Likewise, we build our lives upon the Rock of Ages—Jesus Christ. When the storms and trials of life come, we do not crumble because our lives are founded on His teachings. Jesus said that whoever hears His words and obeys them is wise.
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.” Psalm 18:2
The third small creature is the locust. Scripture says locusts have no king. They have no visible leader telling them what to do, yet, like a disciplined army, they move as one with a single mind and purpose.
As soldiers of Christ, we should be ready and watchful, striving together for the faith of the gospel. The proclamation of the gospel is our great purpose, and we should advance as one body to fulfill that mission.
The final lesson comes from the spider. Remove a spider’s web, and the next day it is often back—complete with all its intricate detail. Spiders are incredibly persistent. They also have an uncanny ability to enter places that seem almost impenetrable—even kings’ palaces.
As Christians, we must also be persistent. We cannot allow discouragement to turn us aside from reaching the lost. If we have the wisdom to make God’s will our own, He can take us to places we never dreamed possible.
Learn from these four little creatures: prepare like the ant, make Christ your Rock, advance with other believers in unity, and persist like the spider. Though small, they are exceedingly wise.
