This is lesson 5 of 5 in the What If? sermonlink series. See also the kids edition of this lesson, or go to our Proverb a Day reading plan on YouTube.

Most of the time in the Scriptures God uses people as examples for us to learn from. In Proverbs, however, God uses four obscure and unlikely animals to help us grow in wisdom. He chooses four creatures that are small, undesirable, and not that appealing to look at.

Proverbs 30:24-28 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer. Rock badgers—they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. Locusts—they have no king, but they march in formation.Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings’ palaces.

There aren’t many people who have pet ants. Not many people who take rock badgers out for a walk on a leash. I don’t know anyone who has locusts as play partners. And only a few of us keep lizards as pets. Yet, God chooses these simple creatures, small and unattractive, to teach us some valuable lessons when it comes to understanding God’s amazing wisdom.

The wisdom of the ant teaches us to be prepared for the future

Proverbs 30:25 Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.

Ants are not strong and mighty in themselves. By all outward appearances they are not very formidable. But if you look closer you will notice how exceedingly wise the ants are. Because ants understand winter is coming, they make preparations for the future. They make sure they are prepared for tomorrow.

Are you prepared for tomorrow? Are you prepared for eternity? Ants are wise enough to use today to be prepared for the future. How about you?

The wisdom of the rock badger teaches us where to find safety and security

Proverbs 30:26 Rock badgers—they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks.

A rock badger is no bigger than a rabbit, with a short muzzle, small round ears and no tail. A rock badger is not a mighty, majestic creature. To survive in a hostile environment filled with various predators, the rock badgers have learned to find safety and security in the holes in the cliffs. The writer of Proverbs is basically saying to us: “Follower of God, If you have the wisdom of a badger, you know where your security and safety come from—it comes from God himself.” The only real safety in this life is found in God.

The wisdom of the locust teaches us the awesome power of community

Proverbs 30:27 Locusts—they have no king, but they march in formation.

A locust or a grasshopper by itself isn’t a particularly formidable or scary creature. One grasshopper isn’t much of a threat. But if a group of locust or grasshoppers form a community the damage they can bring can be devastating. Ancient people dreaded them more than they do the most terrible fire or storm; because though they are so small, they destroy all the food, and leave the people ready to starve. The wisdom of the locust is the incredible power of a community. By instinct, the locust knows it has to be in community with other locusts. Locust remind us that a community of God’s people pulling in the same direction can do amazing things. If you have the instinct of a locust, you know you can’t go it alone. You need other Christians and they need you. You need a family and the family needs you. You need community and the community needs you.

The wisdom of the lizard teaches us that lowly things can end up in high places

Proverbs 30:28 Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings’ palaces.    

The lizard is an ordinary creature, with no unique skill or talent. You can find them everywhere in the ancient world. Nothing special about this little critter. Some lizards are so little and so slow that a person can catch them with their hands.

Like the lizard, the people of God were easy to catch and take into bondage. They were easy to dominate and abuse and forced to serve at the will of their earthly slave masters.  But one day all of that will change. One day in the future, because of the work of Christ, the people of God will become sons and daughters of the king and live with him in his eternal palace forever.

Ephesians 2:6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.    

Even though God’s people are oppressed and persecuted, one day they will enjoy all the riches that God has for them.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. What was the most unique animal your family had or someone you knew had?
  4. Why do you think God decided to use little known animals to teach us about wisdom?
  5. Read Proverbs 30:25. Describe the lesson of the ant.
  6. Why is it hard for people to think about eternity? When did you start thinking about your eternal future?
  7. Read Proverbs 30:26. Describe the lesson of the rock badgers.
  8. Who do you run to first when your life is scary or difficult? Explain
  9. Share an experience when you felt unsafe or overwhelmed and you finally ran to God for safety and protection.
  10. Read Proverbs 30:27. Describe the lesson of the locust.
  11. What is difficult for you about community? What happens to Christians who don’t have community?
  12. Read Proverbs 30:28. Describe the lesson of the lizard.
  13. Share how it makes you feel to think that one day you will spend eternity with Jesus the King.
  14. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

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