The Self-Starting Spirit

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)

Go to the ant? That’s an odd statement. Usually, we avoid ants. If we find them in our kitchen or near our picnic when we are outside, we kill them, get away from them, and do all we can to block the little creatures from our homes. However, Proverbs 6 tells us that there is a lot that we can glean from these tiny creatures.

The ant is a self-starter. Once they have a task, they don’t need someone standing over their shoulder to ensure that the task assigned to them is getting done. They step out and see what needs to happen and then do it. You could say that the ant is industrious. For employers and leaders, having self-starters on your team is extremely important. I am an employer and I love it when people on my team don’t have to be told to do something that is needed; they just step out and take care of it. Not only that, but the ant also diligently provides its sustenance in the summer and gathers food in the harvest. They are smart enough to work on having savings. They do not want to get caught off guard and not have enough during difficult times.

The book of wisdom tells me and you to go to the ant and gain her wisdom. Whether it is in our personal or professional lives, we need to be diligent, proactive, and self-starters, and willing to do what needs to be done without being asked.

Practical Application

Think about ways you can help create a culture of self-starters within your team or organization. Also, take time to think about your work ethic. Are you like the ant and take initiative and plans for the future? If not, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you need to do to prepare, plan, and pursue purpose.

Proverbs 10:26; Proverbs 20:4

Beware of Flatterers

To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

(Proverbs 2:16-17)

It always feels good to have someone say you did a good job, that you look good, or to praise you for something. However, being deceived by someone who uses flattery is a genuine problem in our world and one that we should not take lightly. Solomon, in his book of wisdom, cautioned us about a person who is a “flatterer.”The term flattereth in this verse implies someone who has smoothness in speech and the ability to charm and deceive with enticing words.

The flatterer is defined further in this verse as someone who abandons the principles and values instilled in their youth and disregards their covenant with God. When someone praises you, pay attention to their character. If they do not hold onto God’s principles or if they once walked with God, but no longer believe in the values they once held, their words of flattery are a trap.It’s vital that believers learn to discern the authenticity of any applause and praise we receive. If you do not live for the flattery of men, you won’t be crushed by the critics, either. Take the time to observe the fruit of character of those around you, not just their words of praise. Relationships built on a foundation of shared values and a shared commitment to following God will last and help you move forward in what God has planned for you.

Practical Application

Take a critical evaluation of the people in your life. Do the fruit of their lives line up to what you want in yours? If not, do not take their praise too highly or their critiques too seriously. Listen to those who have shown results with their faith.

Proverbs 7:5; Ecclesiastes 7:26

Rejecting Wisdom

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. (Proverbs 1:29-30)

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who was not just indifferent to evil, but seemed to enjoy it and thrive on being a part of it? In the first chapter of Proverbs, this book of wisdom talks about a personality type that is marked by a love for evil, pride, arrogance, and a froward mouth. This person purposely rejects God's way and shows it in their deliberate choices to go against what His Word dictates.

Rejecting wisdom is a deliberate choice and always brings with it long-lasting, far-reaching consequences.

Anyone who is in a leadership position has probably dealt with someone who simply refused to listen to wise counsel and pushed against wisdom. If this type of person does not change and does not have a heart to grow and be developed, you need to distance yourself from them as quickly as possible. That type of personality is a cancer in any system.

Who, then, is the opposite of this personality? The one who prioritizes the pursuit of knowledge and embraces the fear of the Lord.

As someone who desires to grow in your relationship with God and grow in wisdom, purpose to always remain receptive to wise, proven counsel, and receive correction from leaders as an honor. This is what it means to cultivate a heart that embraces God’s wisdom above your own desires.

Practical Application

Who gives you wise counsel and correction? Do you have a relationship with someone who can tell you when and where they see issues in your life? If not, ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to those around you who can bring wisdom and correction to you.

Proverbs 1:22; Job 21:14