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1. With peculiar emphasis we may say of the worm, it is "of the earth earthy." Springing out of it, boring into it, and feeding on it, or on that which grows upon it, — it is a singular image of man, who was formed out of the dust of the ground, and is destined to return to it, and who, alas! feeds on it. All men may not be equally represented by that which belongs to the extremely gross in character.

2. In the naturally repulsive character of a worm we have an illustration of sin. The only thing that repels God from man is sin. To man's weakness, ignorance, poverty, and sorrow, the Creator can and does graciously draw near; but from man's sin He recoils. What sin is to God, it should be to us — a repulsive thing — that which we should hate and flee from.

3. The carrion-worm and canker-worm afford us an illustration of the injurious character of man as a sinner. What are the ravages of war but the dread results of human carrion-worms revelling in human blood? What are the restless activities, passions, and pursuits of men, but the ceaseless gnawing of pride, envy, ambition, lust, anger, malice, deceit, and suchlike things — the canker-worms of the soul, and the carrion-worms of the body?

4. Learn a lesson of humility from the different classes and pursuits of worms. Some are great and some small; some attractive and some unsightly.

5. Worms are not without their use in the world, and some — such as silkworms — are of great value.

(Anon.).

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KJV: How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?

WEB: How much less man, who is a worm, the son of man, who is a worm!"