ייִדישער מחשבֿה אויף משלי 6:8

In verse fifteen we read about five staggered cases of decay, corruption, which are introduced by the caption "Yeshurun grew fat and kicked." The result was a) you became fat; b) you grew coarse; c) you grew gross; d) he forsook the Lord who had made you; e) he spurned the Rock of his support. The specific acts of rebellion are listed in verse 16-18. G'ds response which was equally staggered, is listed in verses 19-25. The penalties listed 1) sword, 2) hunger; 3) wild beasts; 4) pestilence, correspond to the four basic elements the earth is made of, i.e. fire/sword; water/famine; dust/wild beasts; air, ruach /pestilence.

"Go to the ant, lazy one! observe its ways and become wise; she prepares her bread in the summer; [for she has no chief, overseer, or ruler; she gathers her food in the harvest. O lazy one, how long will you lie there; when will you get up from your sleep?]" (Mishlei 6:6-9)