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I. THE IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING TRUTH WHICH THESE WORDS SUGGEST. That provision ought to be made for the future.

1. We should make provision for the soul.

2. What is the kind of provision needed for the soul?

3. The period against which we are to make this provision. The winter of death and eternity.

II. THE SEASON IN WHICH THIS PROVISION IS TO BE MADE. The ants secure their winter requirements during the summer. Our life may be compared to summer for two reasons —

1. Because during the summer we have every needful opportunity of getting ready for the winter.

2. Because summer is the only time in which this provision for the winter can be made.

III. THE REPROOF WHICH IS HERE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO NEGLECT TO MAKE THE PROVISION.

1. The force of this rebuke arises from the insignificance of the being by whose conduct we are reproved.

2. The disadvantageous circumstances in which they are said to be placed.

3. From that which they make their provision.

4. From the season against which they provide.

5. From the epithet applied to those who are negligent.

IV. THE ADVICE WHICH THE WISE MAN GIVES.

1. A lesson of wisdom.

2. A lesson of industry.

3. A lesson of perseverance. If not making this preparation, what will by and by be our moral destitution!

(J. Coe.)

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KJV: Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

WEB: Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;