| THE SPIDER Prov. 30:28 |
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| There is much about the spider which we find personally repugnant. Yet the spider performs an important function by ridding the world of numerous insects. This is the picture of Isa. 59:5 in which wicked men "weave the spider's web" in order to catch prey. In the context of Prov. 30, however, the spider is mentioned as one of the four small creatures who are extremely wise. As such the spider speaks to our hearts of character. Now we must make a distinction between "reputation" and "character." Reputation is that which men think you to be. Character is what you really are. Character may be defined as moral and spiritual fiber - backbone. In this regard the spider is a graphic example. I. The Spider is a Creature of dedication He is the epitome of persistence in the face of every discouragement. Tear down a spider's web and he will rebuild it immediately. as many times as you tear it down, so many times will the spider rebuild it. the only way to stop the spider is to kill it. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say, "The test of your character is what ti takes to stop you." Read 2 Thess. 3:13 and Gal. 6:9. Through we may become weary in the process of the work, we must not become weary of the work for it is God's work. Anything we ought to do, we ought to do well. See Col. 3:23-25. II. The Spider is a Creature of Determination Prov. 30:28 states, "the spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in king's palaces." The implication of these words is that the spider has aspirations. Though he be a lowly creature, he reaches, enters, and dwells in the palaces of royalty. There is nothing unscriptural or unspiritual about being goal oriented. Quite the contrary! The key is to let God establish the goals for you and then pursue them with all your might. There is no shame in being the spider in the hovel if that is the will of god. By th esame token there is no shame in being the spider in the palace if that is the will of god. We ought never to demean achievement as an excuse for our laziness and lack of iniative. (See Rom. 12:11) Those who really make accomplishements in life are those people with character and determination. III. The Spider is a Creature of Decoration Life is as delicate as is the spider's web. This is the meaning of the words of Job 8:14. "Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web." Examination of the spider's web will demonstrate that it is indeed a creation of beauty. Real character is that which leaves on its wake something of real beauty as an investment in the lives of others. Read Isa. 61:1-3 |
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