Bible Edition Summary Ants have to work hard during the summer to build their homes and gather food for the winter, but the Dilly Dally family have a different tradition: they always play first. If they have any time, then they work a little. The Family Work Play ants, however, first build their house and gather their food, then they relax and have fun. So they built a strong house and had lots of food for the coming winter. When the long, cold winter came, the Dilly Dally family had a tough time getting food and keeping warm. However, they learned an important lesson, and changed their name to Family Work First. In this delightful and inspiring book by Carl Sommer shows the importance of diligence, responsibility, and having a proper work ethic. Children will learn that by working first and playing later, it will bring much greater happiness. Main Virtues Diligence/Responsibility/Proper Work Ethic Other Virtues Appreciation, Caring, Cleanliness, Compassion, Cooperation, Dignity of Labor, Fairness, Friendship, Initiative, Obedience to Parents, Perseverance, Self-Discipline, and Self-Reliance Laziness Brings Poverty Diligence and Responsibility Listening to Friends Warning People of Their Evil Ways Law of Sowing and Reaping Helping Those Who Refuse to Work Helping the Poor Proper Work Ethic Brings Success How to Fail How to Succeed Questions Contents
Laziness Brings Poverty Papa Work Play immediately gathered his family together. It takes a lot of hard work to build a new home. Let s get started right away. Papa Dilly Dally immediately found a place to rest. We have plenty of time to build a new home. Let s rest first and have some fun. Papa Dilly Dally and his family were lazy they did not like to work. * Proverbs 6:6-11 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, [7] which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, [8] provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. [9] How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? [10] A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep [11] so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man. Proverbs 10:4-5 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. [5] He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor. Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. * The check is a recommended scripture to teach the particular lesson. All verses are from the New King James Version. Additional verses: Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 19:15; Proverbs 24:30-34 Diligence and Responsibility Family Work Play went right to work. In their home it was early to bed and early to rise. We are Family Work Play! Papa would say. And that means we work first, then we play. Every day we will have time to relax and play, but we must always do our work first. Family Work Play had the right attitude about work and play. They played and relaxed, but only after they did their work for the day. They were diligent and responsible. They learned how to balance work and play. 2
Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return. Acts 20:34-35 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. [35] I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. [11] For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. [12] Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. [13] But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. Additional verses: Proverbs 20:4, 21:25; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Listening to Friends Every day as Family Work Play went to gather food, Family Dilly Dally would call out to them, Come! Play ball with us. We can t play now, the hard-working ants would say. We must work first, then we can play. Don t be so foolish! Family Dilly Dally would say. Be like us! We play first, then we work. Oh, no! In our family, we work first. The children in Family Work Play were wise. They would not listen to the advice of their friends. Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; [2] but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 119:115 Depart from me, you evildoers, for I will keep the commandments of my God! 3
Proverbs 4:14-15 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. [15] Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on. Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. James 4:4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Additional verses: Psalm 26:4-5, Proverbs 14:7, Ephesians 5:11 Warning People of Their Evil Ways Mama Work Play felt sad for Family Dilly Dally. We must warn our friends that unless they work first, things will be very hard for them when the cold winter comes. Mama Work Play went and warned Mama Dilly Dally, but Mama Dilly Dally didn t listen to her warning. Leviticus 19:17 You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. Proverbs 15:31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. Proverbs 27:5-6 Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. [6] Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Additional verses: Proverbs 9:8; Proverbs 25:12; Proverbs 28:23; Ecclesiastes 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Timothy 4:2; Revelation 3:19 4
Law of Sowing and Reaping Family Work Play had a warm, cozy home. They did not have to go out into the cold to find something to eat. Family Dilly Dally did not prepare for winter, even when they were warned. Now they had to dig through ice and snow to find food. Every day it was the same for Family Dilly Dally searching and digging, digging and searching and still their tummies were never quite full. Although they grumbled and complained, it did them no good. Now it was all work...and no play. You reap what you sow. Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. [6] He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Proverbs 11:18 The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. Proverbs 22:8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, and the rod of his anger will fail. 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Additional verses: Job 4:8, Romans 2:6-10 Helping Those Who Refuse to Work Family Dilly Dally was lazy and did not want to work. They were more interested in having lots of fun. Finally the time came when they had to work in order to get their food. Then Papa Dilly Dally said, I ve got a great idea! I ll ask Family Work Play for help. They have plenty of food. Mama Work Play felt sorry for them and thought they should try to feed them. But Papa Work Play said, I feel sorry for them, too. But if we feed them, they might never learn to work first. Besides, if they work very hard, they will find enough food even if it gets icy cold. Papa Work Play was not cruel, for he knew that if they would work hard there was enough food. We should be careful to help the poor (see next list of scriptures), but it is not wise to help those who are lazy. We should apply the scriptural principle of If a man will not work, he shall not eat. 5
Leviticus 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. [10] And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the Lord your God. Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. Additional verses: Genesis 3:19, Deuteronomy 24:19-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 1Timothy 5:9-10 Helping the Poor Papa Work Play did not want to help Family Dilly Dally because they were lazy. He knew that they could find enough food if they worked hard. However, we need to be very careful that we do not become hard hearted. God wants us to be kind and generous to the poor and needy. Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. Proverbs 22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. Luke 12:33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. Acts 20:35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 1 John 3:17-18 But whoever has this world s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? [18] My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Additional verses: Deuteronomy 15:11; Proverbs 21:13; Proverbs 28:27; Isaiah 58:7-10; Matthew 19:21, 25:35-36; Luke 14:12-14; 1 Timothy 6:17-18; Hebrews 13:16 6
Proper Work Ethic Brings Success Papa Dilly Dally had learned his lesson. Papa Dilly Dally made a wise choice by changing his name from Family Dilly Dally to Family Work First. Having the proper work ethic brings success. Proverbs 10:4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 13:4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. 2 Tim. 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Hebrews 6:12 That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Additional verses: Proverbs 12:11; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 22:29; 1 Corinthians 15:58 Always play first. Work only when there is time. Don t do your homework. Don t study or do the required lessons. Be late. Take off from school. Don t listen to your parents or teachers. Do whatever your friends are doing. Always complain when there is work to do. Think only about yourself. How to Fail Work first, then play. Make time for work. Do your homework. Study and do the required lessons. Be on time. Always be in school. Listen to your parents and teachers. Do what s right regardless of what others are doing. Be a willing worker. Think about others. How to Succeed 7
Questions 1. What were the names of the two families who decided to leave the city of ants? The names of the two families were Family Work Play and Family Dilly Dally. 2. What did Papa Work Play say to his family when he gathered them together? Papa Work Play said, It takes lots of hard work to build a new home. Let s get started right away. 3. What did Papa Dilly Dally say to his family when he found a place to rest? Papa Dilly Dally said, We have plenty of time to build a new home. Let s rest first and have some fun. Papa Dilly Dally and his family were lazy they did not like to work. The Bible says, He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame (Proverbs 10:4-5). 4. What kind of place did Family Work Play decide to look for? Family Work Play decided to look for a place where they could find lots of food. 5. What kind of place did Family Dilly Dally decide to look for? Family Dilly Dally decided to look for a place where they could have plenty of fun. 6. What was the rule in Family Work Play s home concerning bedtime? In Family Work Play s home, it was early to bed and early to rise. 7. What did Papa say his name, Family Work Play, meant? Papa said, We are Family Work Play! And that means we work first, then we play. Family Work Play had the right attitude about work and play. They had time to play and relax, but first they did their work. Family Work Play followed this Bible principle: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). 8. What did Family Work Play do: A. In the mornings? They dug their basements. B. In the afternoons? They gathered food. C. In the evenings? They relaxed and played. 9. What did Family Work Play s house look like by late summer? By late summer their house was almost finished and their basement was nearly full. 10. What kind of house did Family Dilly Dally build? Family Dilly Dally built a tiny house. 11. Family Dilly Dally wanted to build a nice, big home, but when did they plan to build it? Family Dilly Dally planned to build it later. They procrastinated they put off doing the things they should. Wise individuals do not put off the things they should be doing. 8
12. What did Family Dilly Dally want to have lots of? Family Dilly Dally wanted to have lots of fun. 13. What did Family Dilly Dally do in the evenings? In the evenings Family Dilly Dally stayed up late watching their favorite TV shows. 14. Since Family Dilly Dally went to bed late, how long did they sleep? Family Dilly Dally slept late. 15. Since Family Dilly Dally slept late, it was much too hot for them to work outside. So how did Family Dilly Dally begin their day? Family Dilly Dally began their day relaxing and playing under the big shade tree. 16. When did Family Dilly Dally begin to gather their food? Family Dilly Dally waited until the cool evenings to look for something to eat. 17. How much food would Family Dilly Dally gather in the evenings? Family Dilly Dally gathered only enough food for the next day. 18. By the end of summer: A. What was Family Dilly Dally s small house like? Family Dilly Dally s small house was still unfinished. B. How much food did Family Dilly Dally have for the coming winter? Family Dilly Dally had no food stored for the winter. C. How much fun did Family Work Play have? Family Work Play had lots of fun. 19. What did the children of Family Dilly Dally say to Family Work Play as they went to work every day? The children of family Dilly Dally would say, Come! Play ball with us? 20. What would the hard-working ants say when family Dilly Dally said, Come! Play ball with us? The hard-working ants would say, We can t play now. We must work first, then we can play. 21. What would the children of Family Dilly Dally say when they heard, We can t play now. We must work first, then we can play? The children of Family Dilly Dally would say, Don t be so foolish! Be like us! We play first, then we work. 22. What would the children of Family Work Play say when they heard, Don t be so foolish! Be like us! We play first, then we work? Family Work Play would say, Oh, no! In our family we work first. The children in Family Work Play were wise; they would not listen to the advice of their friends. The Bible says, Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). 23. What did Mama Work Play say to her family because she felt sad for Family Dilly Dally? Mama Work Play said, We must warn our friends that unless they work first, things will be very hard for them when the cold winter comes. 9
24. What did Mama Work Play say to Mama Dilly Dally? Mama Work Play said, I ve noticed that you re not preparing for the coming winter. It s going to get very cold, and then it will be hard to find food. 25. What did Mama Dilly Dally say? Mama Dilly Dally said, Oh, don t worry about us. Our family just loves to play. There s still plenty of time to get food for the winter. Anyway, thanks for coming. Mama Work Play warned Mama Dilly Dally, but Mama Dilly Dally didn t want to listen to what she had to say. Unfortunately, they would have to suffer because they refused to listen. The Bible says, Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all (1 Thessalonians 5:14). 26. Family Work Play s basement was now completely filled with food, and they had finished building their house. Where did they go after they packed some games and a basket full of food? Family Work Play headed for the lake. 27. What would Family Work Play have more time to do since they were well prepared for winter? Family Work Play would have much more time to relax and play. 28. What did Family Dilly Dally say when Papa Dilly Dally said, Fall is here, and that means we must begin to get food for the winter? Family Dilly Dally said, Oh, noooo...! It s getting cold outside, and the food is far away! 29. What did Family Dilly Dally have now as they began searching for food? Now Family Dilly Dally had lots of work. 30. Where was Family Work Play during wintertime? Family Work Play was in their warm, cozy home during wintertime. 31. What was every day like for Family Dilly Dally when it became bitter cold? Every day it was the same searching and digging, digging and searching and still their tummies were never quite full. 32. What good did Family Dilly Dally s grumbling and complaining do? Family Dilly Dally s grumbling and complaining did them no good. Now it was all work...and no play. There is the law of sowing and reaping. You reap what you sow. The Bible says, Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:7-8). 33. What did Papa Dilly Dally say about how he could get food? Papa Dilly Dally said, I ll ask Family Work Play for help. They have plenty of food. 34. What did Papa Work Play say to Papa Dilly Dally when he asked him for food? Papa Work Play said, I m sorry, but we don t have enough food to feed both our families. 10
35. What did Papa Work Play say would happen if they fed Family Dilly Dally? Papa Work Play said, If we would feed them, they might never learn to work first. Besides, if they work very hard, they will find enough food even if it gets icy cold. Papa Work Play was not cruel, for he knew that if Family Dilly Dally worked hard they would find enough food. Family Dilly Dally was lazy and did not want to work; now they would have to suffer the consequence for their laziness. The Bible says, For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). As a Christian, we need to be careful that we try to help those who are poor and needy. The Bible says, He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor (Proverbs 22:9). 36. What did Family Dilly Dally have to do every day in the middle of winter in order to get their food? Family Dilly Dally had to trudge a long way through the deep snow to search for food. 37. What did Papa Dilly Dally say to his family when springtime arrived? Papa Dilly Dally said, I have something very important to say. I am no longer...a Dilly Dally. 38. What did Papa Dilly Dally say to his family as he put on a work hat? Papa Dilly Dally said, I m going to have a new name! We were foolish for playing first, instead of working first. 39. What was the new name Papa Dilly Dally chose for his family? Family Dilly Dally s new name was Family Work First. Papa Dilly Dally had learned his lesson. Papa Dilly Dally made a wise choice by changing his name from Family Dilly Dally to Family Work First. Instead of playing first, now he would have his family work first. That s the path to success. The Bible says, He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich (Proverbs 10:4). 40. What did Family Work First do now? Now Family Work First began building a home right next to Family Work Play. 41. What did Family Work First do: A. In the mornings? Family Work First dug their basement and built their home. B. In the afternoons? Family Work First gathered food. C. In the evenings? Family Work First relaxed and played. 42. What was best of all for Family Work First? Best of all, from that day on they lived up to their new name Family WORK FIRST! 11