Avoid Pit Stops

(Proverbs 23:27 KJV)  For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

In the previous verse Wisdom talks about positive actions we can take.  In the next verse she warns us about how evil forces will hunt us down.  Here we are warned about the passive traps that lay around us ready to catch us.

When I think of a “deep” (6013) “ditch” (pit NASB) (7745) I think of a type of hunting that relies on the prey not paying attention.  You would dig it on the path frequently traveled and cover it with local vegetation.  If a potential victim is in a hurry, distracted or ignorant they will have a rude awakening.  Keep in mind that you don’t put these traps out of the way.  The devil does a statistical analysis with his GPS tracking device and puts it where you will be.

What kind of camouflaged “ditch” (pit NASB) (7745) waits today?  Notice it does not say “if” but assumes “when.”  Will it be something as blatant as adultery or fornication or will is be that juicy bit of gossip that just begs to be passed on?  It will be different for each of us but it will be ubiquitous.  I have wanted to use that word for a long time.

So?  Be alert and confident of two things.  First, the pits will be there.  Second, they can be avoided.  Remember the promise we have.

(1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV)  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.