The Consequences of Plotting Evil Against Others

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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)

Between 570 BC and 560 BC, Perilaus, a Greek sculptor designed one of the most cruel torture methods. Following orders by Phalaris, a tyrant, the sculptor created ‘The Bull of Phalaris’, a brass bull that could accommodate a human being in its belly.

The Bull of Phalaris

The candidate for torture was supposed to be placed inside the belly of the brass bull, after which a fire would be lit under the belly. Consequently, the victim would be roasted alive inside the sculpture. His or her cries would emerge from the brass bull in a voice similar to the bellowing of a bull.

Perilaus decided to show off his invention to another tyrant, Acragantas of Sicily. Ironically, this tyrant decided to try out the brass bull as a torture method and ordered Perilaus to be the first victim. Fittingly, Perilaus died by the same tool he had created to inflict excruciating pain and death on others.

Whoever Digs a Pit Will Fall into It

King Solomon summarized Perilaus experience and punishment in this powerful statement, “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.” (Proverbs 26:27). In essence, the evil you wish others will fall back on you!

Solomon was alluding to traps hunters set to capture prey. If a hunter forgot where the pit was, he was likely to fall into the same ditch and suffer harm. Similarly, an aggressor who rolled a rock downhill to destroy innocent people was likely to be crushed by the same boulder.

Do Not Scheme to Harm Others

God detests evil plots against the innocent and righteous. He warns that in scheming to harm others, we will end up destroying ourselves. For example, when we spread falsehoods against others to soil their reputation, the truth will eventually come out and the evil we wished them will befall us.

As God’s children, we must guard against malice and deal truthfully with other human beings. Even when others hurts us, we have to remember that vengeance belongs to God. Instead of plotting to harm others, we are to forgive and love them as Jesus does to us.

The Consequences of Plotting Evil Against Other

Do not walk on the same path as Perilaus for you will eventually inherit his fate. The consequences of plotting evil against others are dire but the rewards of love and forgiveness will bless your life now and prepare you for a life of eternal bliss with God.

Prayer
Dear God, remove from my heart any thoughts of plotting evil to harm others. Create in me a heart of love and forgiveness towards those who hurt me.