Proverbs 6—Working Like an Ant Through Grief

“…we do not enter into grief. Grief enters into us.” Julie Yarbrough, Inside the Broken Heart: Grief Understanding for Widows and Widowers

Simple statements, such as the one above, clarifying that grief enters us as opposed to us entering grief are very helpful. You do not place yourself in grief. You are not in control. The grief, the pain, the chaos, and the injury has entered you. A spear or knife is thrust into your emotional flesh.

And processing and healing take work.

I learned new terminology when I began my journey. One such term, grief work, is so helpful and appropriate. Grief enters your journey and requires ongoing work to process your way through it.

“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6

This concept of grief work came to mind as I read Proverbs 6.

And the ant became my hero.

The ways of an ant should be considered and imitated. An ant prepares in summer and gathers in harvest. Or it starves. The ant works hard. In this case, the ant prepares ahead of time. And in the case of grief and loss, it is good to have prepared a firm foundation on which to land. But when the lightning strikes and grief enters your story, the ant can be your guide to work hard on your new and difficult journey.

Consider the ways of the ant and be wise. Don’t be a sluggard in grief.

“How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?” Proverbs 6:9

Balance is needed here. Rest and solitude are needed during grief. Good sleep is elusive. You must have sleep to recover, but it is often scarce.

However, sleeping and slumbering indefinitely is a red flag. Simply folding your hands as if you’re giving up is a warning that must be acknowledged and avoided. Furthering this illustration, Solomon explains that poverty of life will come upon you like a robber. Want will come upon you like an armed man. Consider Jesus’ own words in John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

I have written extensively about how the gospel speaks directly to grief. Loss is a result of the brokenness of the world. The gospel was given to overturn brokenness. Therefore, the enemy of our soul came as a thief and a robber. And grief is another chapter in life when the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy us.

Be like the ant. Work, fight, and embrace abundant life again. Embrace the gift of grace in the gospel.

“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” Proverbs 6:20

Solomon transitions to address the vulnerability of sons to adulteresses. While we are working hard to process grief, his oft-repeated warning is appropriate. Keep your father’s commandment. Do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

“When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.” Proverbs 6:22

The ant prepares ahead of time. Summer work produces a harvest in autumn. Likewise, keeping your father’s commandment and not forsaking your mother’s teaching watches over you when you walk. Commandments and teachings lead you and watch over you. They even talk to you. Words of truth coach you as you experience life.

Even and especially during grief.

So, consider the ways of the ant. Refuse the ways of the sluggard.

“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life…” Proverbs 6:23