Privily Counsel

(Proverbs 1:18 KJV)  And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

This last phrase caught my attention as I was reading through this month.  It makes a great word picture.  The evil “lurk privily” (ambush NASB) (6845) for their own “lives” (5315).  It is interesting to me that “ambush” (6845) means to treasure or hide.  “Lives” (5315) is the word for “soul”.  You get a picture of someone who is so concerned about putting themselves first that they destroy their inner being.

How does this apply to the righteous and upright?  I have to believe that there is a caution for all of us in this verse.  I don’t have a glimmer that any believer is going to get into murder or hijacking trucks.  But we can become so protective of our valuables and time that we refuse to be open to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  It is legitimate to lock our doors to protect ourselves from thieves.  It is helpful to have a schedule and demand that others respect it.  It is also possible to get so into our agenda that we don’t allow agape to function.

So?  Stop and take a look at your priorities.  Are you clinging too tightly to your leisure?  Are you worrying to the point of distraction about keeping your jewelry safe?  Are you starting down the slippery slope of navel gazing?