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how does this proverbs' advice compare with new testament teachings on work and purpose?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Proverbs 6:6-11

Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise; which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler, provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man.

This passage is from the Book of Proverbs, an ancient collection of wisdom sayings, mostly attributed to King Solomon in ancient Israel. It's designed to instruct young people (and all readers) on how to live wisely and successfully in the world.

What does 'providing bread in the summer' mean for how you approach your own work today?

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Read alongside it

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10

    This New Testament passage states, 'If anyone will not work, neither let him eat,' echoing the value of diligent labor.

  • Colossians 3:23-24

    This passage encourages doing all work 'as for the Lord,' connecting daily tasks to a higher purpose.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    This wisdom literature verse advises to 'whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,' emphasizing present effort.

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