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As the grasshopper was hopping about chirping and singing, an ant passed by carrying an ear of corn. “Come, play with me?” said the grasshopper. “Can’t. I am laying up food for the winter,” said the ant. “Why bother about winter now?” said the grasshopper; we have plenty to eat now.” The ant went on its way. When winter came, the grasshopper had no food and found itself dying from hunger while the ants ate everyday from what they stored during the summer. That ancient fable teaches us to prepare now for the days ahead. Here is an even more reliable source of proverbial advice — the book of Proverbs. The purpose of Proverbs is spelled out in the first chapter: “to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise; to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do that is right, just, and fair.” The Proverbs offer skill in living. The person who follows the advice spelled out in the book can avoid many moral pitfalls. The writer says, “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables.” The author then gives us the source of true wisdom. He says reverence for the LORD is the foundation of all true knowledge.
