SMALL BUT WISE!

Proverbs 30:24-33 

Saturday, 15 November 2025

There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise:  -Proverbs 30:24 NLT

The Bible is our manual for life- the variedness we find in it applies to all seasons of life. The reading of Proverbs especially gives us an ample dose of practical wisdom, if heeded to, can help us keep on track on the road to eternity.

From the group of fours mentioned in this chapter, the four “small things” from Vs.24-28 will be our focus today. Though they may look feeble or little, God helps us see their strengths: He helps us learn from the very Nature He has set around us! The Dake Bible gives four basic characteristics to the four creatures mentioned here:

1. The Ant— Diligent

2. The Rock Badgers— Shrewd

3. The Locusts—Harmonious

4. The Spider—flexible (Adaptable) 

How can we learn from these 4 Wise creatures?

• The Diligent Ant: The industrious nature and organizational skills of these tiny ones are noteworthy. Observing ants is quite an interesting activity—tirelessly working in coordination, they are able to achieve great tasks with teamwork! Ants don’t easily give up! 

The Christian is called to “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1Cor.15:58). There is a reward for diligent work! Besides in 2Peter 1:10 it says, ^“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;” It is easy to lose enthusiasm when one gets into routine work and then give up; but “…whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col.3:23)

• The Shrewd Rock badgers: They are shrewd in protecting themselves from bigger animals- almost impossible to be trapped by a hunter! 

Jesus admonished His disciples thus: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matt.10:16). The Christian is warned not to be naïve but prudent: “The naive believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Prov.14:15 CEB)

• The Harmonious Locusts: They are not directed by a commander/king, yet they come as one and can be very destructive!

As Christians we are responsible for maintaining harmony in the home/church by living and working together. Unity is strength! Romans 14:19 (NLT) says, “So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” Both in the family of the home and church we are to look into others’ interests as well. Romans 12:16 (NLT) “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”

• The Adaptable Spider: These creatures can skillfully spin their webs, catch their prey at great flexibility- even seen in palaces! 

The Christian can learn from the example of Apostle Paul who was adaptable to all situations- with nothing or everything, with plenty or little: “… for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content… (Phil.4:11). See his adaptability to any kind of people to win them for Christ: “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1Cor. 9:22). To win others for Christ, we need to learn to adapt!

Let us learn from these tiny creatures God has set before us-- may we strive through Christ to be diligent, prudent, harmonious and adaptable that the Kingdom of God may grow through us!

PRAYER: Dear GOD, open our eyes to Your creation, that teach us wise ways and help us to learn from them. Amen.

Listen: 'All things'