I take my daughter to the zoo every few weeks (those annual passes are great!). We tremble by the tiger, stand in awe at the size of the elephant and laugh at the monkeys. The small animals and insects don’t really get our attention.

But Agar, the writer of Proverbs 30:24-28, draws our attention to four small, somewhat insignificant creatures that can teach us great lessons. They are wise because of their skill in living. Agar invites us to sit at their feet (if you can find their feet!) and learn some wise lessons in life.

First, there’s the Ant. Ants work hard in anticipation of the challenges of tomorrow. After all, winter is coming! If Ants had one bit of advice to give us, it would be, “prepare for the future.”

Second, there’s the Hyrax or Coney (or rabbit for the Kiwis who have no idea what those things are). Rabbits can’t lift much weight or drag heavy objects back home. Neither can they fight off dogs or vultures. But they have learned that their security is in its burrow or the cleft of a rock. If rabbits could give us one bit of advice, they would say, “know where your security is found.”

Third, there’s the Locust. Those nasty little locusts are small and insignificant by themselves. With others, they’re a powerful army that can cover hundreds of square miles. What the locust cannot do alone, it can do in community with others. If locusts could give us one bit of advice, they would say, “don’t go through this life alone.”

Finally, there’s the Lizard or Gecko. Again, it’s a harmless creature. It’s pretty easy to catch. But somehow—even with security in a palace—it winds up in significant places. It slips through tiny cracks, blends into its surroundings, and lies still when needed. Effectively, Agar says, “See, you can’t prevent an insignificant creature getting into a top notch place.” I guess if the gecko could give us one bit of advice, it would probably be, “just try and try again.’”

Which of these four do you need to be mentored by today? What does it look like to heed their advice?