Solomon, the author of Proverbs, frequently referenced animals in his teachings. His profound wisdom, which included insights about creatures like reptiles, birds, and fish, drew people from all over to hear him speak. This wisdom was granted to him in a dream where God blessed him with supernatural insight (1 Kings 4:29-34).
King Solomon used his wisdom on animals to help people understand profound messages in simple ways. He often used animals and their characteristics in the Bible to emphasize key messages through imagery and symbolism. Understanding these symbols can unlock deeper insights into scripture and dreams.
How did Solomon get wisdom in a Dream?
In 1 Kings 3:5-15, Solomon went to the high place of Gibeon to offer sacrifices to the Lord. While there, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon replied, “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, but I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor for the death of your enemies, but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream.
What lessons can we learn from Animals?
Through these lessons, King Solomon’s observations off animals offer profound insights into human behavior, leadership, and spirituality. By contemplating these symbols, we can apply their wisdom to our own lives and understanding.
1. Unity Helps You Achieve Great Things Like Ants
In Proverbs 6:6-8, Solomon advises the lazy person to observe the ant’s hardworking nature. Despite lacking a leader or overseer, ants work harmoniously and plan for the future by storing food during times of abundance. Their collective effort and foresight ensure their survival. Similarly, when people unite with a shared vision and work together, they can achieve remarkable success.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
2. Good Leaders Mimic Lions, Goats, and Roosters
In Proverbs 30:29-31, Solomon highlights the attributes of animals that embody strength and confidence. Lions, goats, and roosters are portrayed as symbols of leadership and steadfastness. Just as a lion does not retreat, and a rooster and a he-goat move with assertiveness and security, effective leaders should exhibit similar traits. They face challenges head-on, remain resolute in their roles, and are unshaken by threats or rivals.
“There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king secure against revolt.”
3. Small Doesn’t Mean Weak
In Proverbs 30:24-28, Solomon describes four small creatures that demonstrate significant wisdom and resilience despite their size. This comparison teaches that even those who may seem insignificant have strengths and influence. Ants, hyraxes, locusts, and lizards, each in their own way, show that smallness does not equate to weakness but can be a source of strength and strategic advantage.
“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: 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.”
4. Righteous Care About Animals
In Proverbs 12:10, Solomon emphasizes that true righteousness involves compassionate treatment of all creatures, not just humans. A righteous person extends kindness to animals, reflecting their commitment to justice and kindness. This care signifies a deeper alignment with divine values, where even the defenseless are treated with respect.
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
5. A Fool Can Harm You
In Proverbs 17:12, Solomon compares the danger of encountering a fool to facing a bear robbed of her cubs. The intensity and harm a fool can cause with their misguided actions make them a greater threat than even a furious animal. This highlights the potential destructive impact of foolish behavior and decisions.
“Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.”
6. Fools are Like Dogs That Repeat Mistakes
In Proverbs 26:11, Solomon likens fools to dogs returning to their vomit, illustrating their tendency to repeat their mistakes. This repeated folly shows a lack of learning and growth, leading to predictable and harmful consequences. Avoiding such individuals is wise, as their consistent errors can bring repeated trouble.
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.”
7. A Bad Leader is Like a Roaring Lion or Charging Bear
In Proverbs 28:15, Solomon uses the imagery of a roaring lion and a charging bear to describe the nature of a bad leader. Such leaders are aggressive and domineering, creating fear and oppression rather than guidance and support. Their leadership style is harsh and detrimental to those they lead.
“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.”
8. Just Like Animals, Humans Have the Same Final Fate
In Ecclesiastes 3:19, Solomon reflects on the shared mortality of humans and animals. This passage serves as a reminder of human humility, emphasizing that despite our position in the natural order, our end is the same as that of animals. It calls for a recognition of our limitations and a humble submission to God.
“Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless.”
9. Love Causes Us to See the Purity in Others
In Song of Solomon 2:14, Solomon uses the dove as a symbol of purity and cherished presence in the context of love. This metaphor highlights how true love allows us to perceive the inherent beauty and purity in others, emphasizing the intimate and protective nature of genuine affection.
“O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the steep, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.”
10. Some Animals Are Too Amazing for King Solomon
In Proverbs 30:18-19, King Solomon reflects on the marvels of certain animals that he finds beyond his understanding. The eagle’s effortless flight through the sky and the snake’s ability to slither over rocks, despite lacking legs, reveal the complexity of creation. These natural wonders remind us that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding. Even Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, acknowledges that there are aspects of creation and existence that are beyond human comprehension, as God’s ways are higher than our ways.
“There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.” (Proverbs 30:18-19)
11. It’s Important to Be Prepared
In Proverbs 14:4, the importance of preparation is highlighted through the example of oxen. Without oxen, a farmer’s manger remains empty, indicating that without the necessary tools and resources, there is no productive work. Oxen were crucial for plowing and other agricultural tasks. A well-prepared farmer who invests in oxen can expect a bountiful harvest due to the added strength and efficiency. This lesson underscores the value of being prepared and having the right resources to achieve success.
“Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.” (Proverbs 14:4)
12. Some People are Like Leeches
Certain individuals are like leeches, constantly demanding more without giving anything in return. Just as a leech sucks blood and then allows its offspring to join in, these people have an insatiable need and take advantage of others. Their relentless demands can drain resources, emotional energy, and patience, leaving those around them exhausted and depleted. The imagery of the leech emphasizes how these individuals do not contribute to their environment but only take from it, much like the leech’s bloodsucking nature.
“The leech has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ they cry.” Proverbs 30:15
13. Leaving Safety and Stability
Proverbs 27:8 compares someone who abandons their home to a bird fleeing its nest. This imagery highlights the loss of security and stability that comes with leaving a safe and supportive environment. It warns against abandoning what provides us with safety and stability.
“Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home.” Proverbs 27:8
14. Foxes and the Ruin of Relationships
Foxes, known for their cunning nature, symbolize how small, unnoticed issues can damage a relationship or situation. Just as foxes can ruin vineyards by nibbling away at them, minor problems or neglected issues can undermine love and commitment if not addressed promptly.
“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Solomon 2:15
15. Loss of Value and Appeal
Proverbs 11:22 compares a beautiful woman who lacks discretion to a gold ring in a pig’s snout. This suggests that despite outward beauty, a lack of propriety or wisdom can make a person’s virtues seem worthless, diminishing their overall value and appeal.
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.” Proverbs 11:22
16. Undeserved Curses Are Ineffective
Proverbs 26:2 uses the imagery of birds to illustrate how undeserved curses are as ineffective and fleeting as a bird’s erratic flight. Such curses, without a valid reason, will not bring harm and are ultimately powerless, just as a bird’s flight has no lasting impact.
“Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.” Proverbs 26:2
17. Bad Behavior Pollutes Like Dead Flies
Ecclesiastes 10:1 uses the metaphor of dead flies in perfume to show how a small amount of foolishness can spoil otherwise good qualities. Just as dead flies can ruin the fragrance of perfume, a minor but significant folly can taint wisdom and honor, making them less valuable.
“As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” Ecclesiastes 10:1