Proverbs 6:6-8 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
God is a masterful Creator. He has integrated many of His principles into the fabric of nature so that we can see His handiwork and learn of Him (Psalm 19:1-6). If you desire to have wisdom, do not neglect to look outdoors for His lessons.
Now, of course, the outdoors sometimes comes inside. If you've ever battled ants in your kitchen or pantry, wisdom probably isn't the first trait you would attribute to them. You probably would choose a description more like determination. But to a lazy person, God points out these tiny creatures as an example of wise living. Simply consider how many characteristics of the ant people would be smart to adopt: Preparation, cooperation, perseverance, diligence, unity, and the list goes on. So interacting with righteous men isn't the only way to get wisdom. God also wants us to observe the lowly ant that He created to work in community.
There's much to learn from the created world. By directing attention to the birds, Jesus challenges His followers to consider the folly of anxiety. "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26) Birds do not reap or gather grain but rather assume their food will be supplied as it always has been. The lesson in this observation of nature is that the Lord who provides for birds can be trusted to meet His people's needs as well.
Our quest for wisdom is to be rooted in Scripture and covered in prayer. But don't overlook the many lessons unfolding right outside the front door. Ask God for "eyes to see" (Mark 8:18). Then take every chance to grow in understanding so your capacity to live by His principles will be strengthened.
