“Or ever the earth was.... My delights were with the sons of men.” Proverbs 8:23-3123I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. (Proverbs 8:23‑31)
From these Bible verses we know that the Creator, God Himself, loved the people of earth even before He created the world. This delight and joy also included having us share His happiness in what He has created. This includes learning about the many varieties of toads and frogs that He has placed in the world.
In response to the title question, “Is it a frog or a toad?” the term “frog” is used many times to describe what actually is a toad. Because they are both amphibians, there are similarities, but there are many differences. For instance, toads have no teeth but most frogs do. Toads have hind feet that are only partially webbed, while frogs’ feet are fully webbed. Only toads have warty skin, and this skin has a poisonous liquid, mainly in bumps just behind the eyes. This poison irritates and sometimes kills enemies, although it is harmless to humans.
The eyes of toads are interesting, and many people think they are quite pretty. Each variety has its own colors and jewel-like design. Like frogs, toads seldom blink their eyes.
Both toads and frogs have excellent patience. They sit perfectly still for long periods of time, waiting for something they like to eat to come swimming, crawling or flying by. Then, a quick flick of their long tongues captures dinner.
Most frogs and toads make their homes in warm climates. However, one that likes the cold is the boreal toad, a resident of British Columbia and Alaska. The Hudson Bay toad also prefers the northern climate. It is heavily warted and is easily identified by a white stripe down the center of its green back.
One of the most interesting is the suriname species of South America. It is so flat it looks like it was stepped on. It never leaves the water and eats small fish, insects and worms. When the female lays eggs, the male places them, one by one, in pockets on her back. Her skin quickly closes over them, providing a separate incubator for each egg. After several weeks the little toads come out fully developed and do not have to go through the tadpole stage like most other toads and frogs.
There is also a six-inch-long, four-inch-wide American toad with the name giant, but it is actually only about half the size of its cousin, the well-known American bullfrog.
Like each of us, toads and frogs are always under the watchful eye of our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Word, the Bible, tells us, “Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:9-109Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? 10In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:9‑10)). Have you ever thanked Him for watching over you?
(to be continued)
ML-05/03/2009