When You Set Traps for Others

Daily Devotional – Friday, December 6, 2024
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
Proverbs 26:27 (NKJV)

Our key text vividly portrays a person setting up a snare for other people but ending up in the same hole he created. This serves as a warning against lying, scheming, and harm-planning. It illustrates how we could unintentionally hurt ourselves while we attempt to hurt others.

If You Dig a Pit…

Moreover, although rolling a stone could appear to be a harmless activity, if it is done with malicious intent, the stone will eventually return to the person who rolled it. The biblical idea of sowing and reaping—that is, we will reap what we sow—is reflected in this concept.

We often get caught up in the trap of conspiring against people we believe have mistreated us or seeking retribution. Proverbs, however, tells us that justice is brought about by God. We need to have faith in God’s power to transform our lives and the lives of people around us, instead of trying to solve problems on our own.

When You Set Straps

Have you ever caught yourself hatching a plan to harm someone who has offended you? Perhaps you rationalized your actions, or perhaps you believed it to be harmless. What does this verse educate you about the repercussions of such behavior?

Do you have any negative intentions or ideas against someone in your life? Let go of those negative thoughts and put your faith in God to administer justice. Knowing that our deeds reflect God’s heart, we are obligated to act honorably, kindly, and forgivingly as followers of Christ.

Prayer
Almighty God, help me fight the temptation to set traps for others, and to leave revenge to you.