Proverbs chapter six says, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

One of the smallest, weakest creatures on earth provides for us a shining example of hard-work and diligence. The Bible instructs us to consider her ways in order to be wise.

First, notice how the ant requires no instruction or guide. There is no taskmaster forcing the ant to do what is needed. It simply works for the benefit of itself and the colony altogether. There is no overseer. There is no ruler. Why then would it be proper, as some suggest, for us to live under the rule of Socialism or Communism where a government dictates our work and distributes our needs?

Instead, notice how these verses teach freedom for the producers and workers. It is not morally sound to force a people to work. That is slavery. Rather, people should be left as free as possible to labor on their own and keep what they earn.

Some would object and say this betrays fundamental Christian principles. They say we ought to help people. I could not agree more. In fact, Paul wrote, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

I have placed key phrases of that verse in bold. There is certainly a place for charity, but when government takes from one to give to another, that is not charity. Consider the ways of the ant, thou Socialist, and be wise.