9. How long? The purpose in directing the sluggard to the ant is, of course, to shame him into activity. Man has been endowed with a large measure of free will. Instead of being driven by an implanted and imperative instinct, he is expected to use his intelligence and will power to drive him to provide for his needs. Many a sluggard has been shamed into activity by these and similar words, and has found, to his surprise, that work is enjoyable as well as rewarding. Others have continued in sloth and want until their miserable lives came to a dishonorable end.