©️ James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM,
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽 james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️ 773-344-6313.

Introduction:

Beloved, today’s message is a call to diligence, a reminder of the value of hard work, and a warning against the dangers of laziness. Our focus will be on Proverbs 6:6-11, where the inspired writer uses the example of the ant to teach us an important life lesson: “No Free Food for a Lazy Man.”

Scripture Reading (Proverbs 6:6-11):

“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 thief and scarcity like an armed man.”

1. Learning from the Ant:

The passage opens with a directive to “go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” This is a powerful call to reflect on the life of one of God’s smallest creatures. The ant works with diligence, showing initiative without needing a commander or ruler to drive its efforts. The ant knows that preparation in times of abundance ensures survival in times of need.

God is urging us to learn from this creature, to take personal responsibility for our lives, and to work tirelessly, with foresight and discipline. We are called to take initiative, be proactive, and embrace hard work.

2. The Dangers of Laziness:

The question is then asked, “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?” These questions are a wake-up call to those who choose laziness over diligence. When we are given the strength and ability to work, yet we choose idleness, we risk losing everything we have. A life of inactivity and complacency can lead to unexpected poverty— “like a thief”—taking away what we should have earned through our labor.

Many people find themselves wishing for success, but Proverbs teaches us that it is through consistent effort that we will see the fruits of our labor. Laziness brings scarcity and want, and there is no promise of free provision for those who refuse to work.

3. A Call to Action:

Today, let us understand that God created us to be industrious and fruitful. We are made in the image of a creative God, who worked for six days to create the heavens and the earth and rested on the seventh. We are made to do the same—labor, create, and be productive.

It is time to arise from slumber and apathy. It is time to stop making excuses and begin making efforts. Proverbs 14:23 says, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Let us not be satisfied with merely talking about what we will do—let us be doers.

4. Practical Application:

Ask yourself today: “Am I making excuses for not doing the work God has called me to do?” Let us break free from laziness, embrace discipline, and recognize the value of diligence. Let us not forget that God blesses the works of our hands, and He delights in those who strive to make a difference.

The ant prepares in summer and gathers in harvest—this means we must take advantage of the opportunities before us now. We cannot afford to wait until it is too late.

Conclusion:

Beloved, “No Free Food for a Lazy Man” is not just a proverb—it is a divine principle that governs our lives. If we choose to fold our hands and sleep, we will face scarcity and want. But if we choose to learn from the ant, to be diligent, and to labor in the time we have, we will see God’s blessings manifest in abundance.

May we all find the strength to work diligently, not for our glory but for the glory of the Almighty. May we reject laziness and instead pursue the fruits of hard work, bringing honor to God and providing for ourselves and those in need.

Let us pray: Almighty God, we thank You for this word today. Help us to learn from the ant, to embrace diligence, and to shun laziness. Give us the grace to rise up and work for Your glory, that we may see prosperity in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Addendum:
For more inspirational lecture series by the author, kindly visit www.spdsfoundation.org.