This proverb is as much a warning to the unbeliever as it is a comfort to the believer. I'm sure that in Solomon's day, as in ours, there are people who take delight in tripping up other folks. They laugh at Christians who are seduced by worldly pleasures, or who are led astray by unbelievers.
These people, as well as those who do the leading, will need to beware -- this verse says that they will fall into their own pit. The evil that they planned for us will actually happen to them, or maybe something even worse!
Here is the comforting part, though: those of us who strive to stay on the narrow path, to do the right things and say the words we should, will receive "a good inheritance." Oh, I think it's the best inheritance! For one thing, we have peace:
I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints-- but let them not return to folly. Psalm 85:8
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
For another thing, we have promises of an eternal inheritance:
And this is what he promised us--even eternal life. I John 2:25
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6
"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14: 1-3Surely these are, as Peter said, in II Peter 1:4, "exceeding great and precious promises" for our future! So beware, those who would trip us up! You might want to think twice before you do that!
I really hope I have not been one to trip someone up! I often wonder if I've said the wrong thing and I fret about it when others wouldn't worry about it at all. It's important to me to try very hard not to say negative things, nor tell someone an untruth, or even something I THINK is true but don't know for sure.
ReplyDeleteIt sure does bring peace when I can look back on a conversation and know beyond any doubt that I didn't say the wrong thing or offer the wrong advice, thus leading someone along an evil path.
Great post!