Snares, Traps, and Nets part 1 of 6 7/96

Christian Education Pre-K-12
Richmond Academy

Snares, Traps and Nets

Part I of 6

Admonitions from Proverbs

(Amplified Bible)

For several months, the Lord has been dealing with me about recognizing and escaping snares, traps and nets the enemy uses against the people of God. "But Lord," I questioned, "don't You want me to keep my focus on You?" In response, He said simply, "Watch and pray."

In Proverbs, Solomon repeatedly stresses the importance of being alert and attentive to the choices we make regarding our walk, our daily conduct, both in word and deed. In His Mercy, the Lord often averts us from snares of which we are unaware. At other times, in order to test the measure of our heart-purity, He leaves the choice with us. Will we be ever "on guard" against the alluring deceptions which the enemy flashes as bait before our fleshly and carnal natures? Will we be spiritually discerning and steadfastly disciplined, choosing the way of the Lord instead of our own way? Indeed, "There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it are the ways of death" {16:25}.

"My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." {1:10}. In other words, do not agree to walk with those whose ways are not in line with the Word of God. "...do not walk in the way with them, restrain your foot from their path" {1:15}. With each decision, "Consider well the path of your feet, and let your ways be established and ordered aright. Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil" {4:26-27}. "...avoid the very scenes of temptation ... " {5:8}. Be alert to the pitfalls of temptation. "A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil ..." {14:16}.

Proverbs also gives warnings showing the natural and Divine retribution which accompany choosing the crooked or sinful path:

Of MALICIOUSNESS and GREED: "But [when ... men set a trap for others] they are laying in wait for their own blood, they set an ambush for their own lives. So are the ways of every one who is greedy of gain; such [greed for plunder] takes away the life of its possessors" {1:18-19}. "Whoever digs a pit [for another man's feet] shall fall into it himself, and he who rolls a stone [up a height to do mischief], it will turn on him" {26:27}.

Of LAZINESS: "The way of the sluggard is overgrown with thorns [it pricks, lacerates and entangles him] ... " {15:19}.

Of STUBBORNNESS AND HARD-HEARTEDNESS: "he who willfully goes in double or wrong ways shall fall in one of them" {28:18}. "He who hardens his heart will fall into calamity" {28:14}. "Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate and willful; he who guards himself will be far from them" {22:5}.

Of ILL-SPOKEN WORDS: "You are snared with the words of your lips, you are caught in the speech of your mouth" {6:3-6}. "The wicked is [dangerously] snared by the transgression of his lips ... " {12:13}.

Of STRONG DRINK: "Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the wineglass, when it goes down smoothly. At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like and an adder. [Under the influence of wine] your eyes will behold strange things [and loose women], and your mind will utter things turned the wrong way, untrue, incorrect and petulant. Yes, you will be [as open to disaster] as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, and [as open to disaster] as he who lies upon the top of a mast" {23:31-34}.

Of SEXUAL ENTICEMENTS: "[Discretion shall watch over you, understanding shall keep you] to deliver you from the alien woman, from the outsider with her flattering words" {2:16}. "For on account of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the adulteress will stalk and snare [as with a hook] the precious life of a man" {6:26}. "With her much justifying and enticing argument she persuades him, with the allurements of her lips and leads him [ to overcome his conscience and his fears] and forces him along. Suddenly he yields, and follows her reluctantly ... [as a dog enticed by food to the muzzle]; Till a dart [of passion] pierces and inflames his vitals; then like a bird fluttering straight into the net, he hastens, not knowing that it will cost his life" {7:21-23}.

Of THOSE GIVEN TO ANGER: "Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate, Lest you learn his ways and get yourself into a snare" {22:24-25}.

Balanced with all these warnings is encouragement for those who make righteous choices: "...through knowledge and superior discernment shall the righteous be delivered" {11:9}; and of the righteous it may be said, "... the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or hidden danger]" {3:26}. To those seeking and embracing skillful and godly wisdom is given the promise "When you walk, your steps shall not be hampered -- your path will be clear and open; and when you run you shall not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life" {4:12-13}. Our wisdom, indeed, our only assurance of life, is to walk in Jesus Christ and His Word.

- Ruth French

July 1996 Newsletter | "I Will Reveal Myself" | Pastor's Journal - July 1995

Snares, Traps and Nets part 1 of 6 | Times of Disaster | Heart Conditions

Revised: July 23, 2009.

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