Four Small Animals with Extreme Wisdom – Proverbs 30

I think this is better than a David and Goliath story, where a young, untrained fellow takes on a gargantuan warrior. In this chapter of Proverbs we find a list of tiny, unassuming creatures that possess powerful attributes.

“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:

photo from revi82 stockxchng
photo of hyraxes from revi82 stockxchng
  • Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
  • Hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;
  • Locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;
  • A lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces” (Proverbs 30:24-28 NIV).

These verses tell me that it is extremely wise to save for the future, find a way to make a home in difficult places, move ahead with others in unity, and realize I can have access, no matter how small I am, into the halls of those in authority.

Prayer

I hope I never doubt, Lord, that you can use the things I consider small and powerless to do amazing things. I will follow where you lead me, no matter how out-of-place I might feel.

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A few nights ago I fell asleep contemplating this proverb. It brought such joy to think I can completely trust what God says, without fail; and that he offers refuge to me. I also appreciate how he expects his words to be honored for what they are, not embellished by others.

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar” (verses 5-6).

by Kathy Sheldon Davis

By Kathy Sheldon Davis

Kathy Sheldon Davis, contributing author of the books "Jesus Talked to Me Today" and "Seeking His Presence," and a finalist for the Oregon Christian Writers Cascade award, lives with her husband, Jerry, in Junction City, Oregon. Kathy enjoys mentoring and editing for other writers, making strangers into friends, and celebrating holidays with her extended family. She has also written for Warner Press since 2016 and posts devotions on her blog at kathysheldondavis.com .

2 comments

  1. Thanks, Wanda. I read that though they look like a rodent, they’re actually closer to being a member of the elephant family. And they’re quite comfortable living in rocky cliffs and such. Isn’t that strange?

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