This Proverb says, “There are four things which are little on the Earth, but they are exceedingly wise. 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, but they all advance in ranks; the spider skillfully grasps with her hands, and is in King’s palaces.”
This Proverb speaks of four small creatures whose behavior can be an example for us as human beings. The ants demonstrate foresight. They prepare and store food during times of ease that they may have plenty during times of hardships. We, too, should wisely use our time of ease to prepare for the inevitable days of hardship.
The rock badger is small and vulnerable to predators. However, they make their houses where they have protection from such predators as eagles. In the open, they would be an easy target for predators. However, in the crags they have protection. We, too, should select places to live that are out of harm’s way. We should seek for the security of our families and choose to live in good neighborhoods.
The locus is small and ineffective as a single locust. However in large numbers they can do much damage. They are a formidable force. In a similar way, a lone righteous person is no match for the evil that surrounds them in this world. However, when banded together with other believers, they are a formidable force against evil. The Bible says that ‘the gates of Hell will not prevail against Jesus’ Church.’
The spider is small and seemingly insignificant. However, the spider may be found in significant places, such as palaces. In a similar way, seemingly insignificant people who live rightly before God can find themselves in places of great influence for good.
The Prophet Daniel is a good example of this. Daniel was a young Jew taken captive by the Babylonians who destroyed Jerusalem. Yet, Daniel, who stood for God and was unwavering in his Faith, rose to prominence in Babylon. He became the King’s chief advisor.
As this Proverb points out, being small or insignificant does not necessarily mean that one cannot be effective or important. Living life according to the Word of God will lead an insignificant person to a significant life. More importantly, it will lead a person to eternity in Heaven with God.
