This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/mAB.2ACE/2440 Message Board Post: Proverbs 1:17 "Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird" Allow me to speak freely here. The secret to catching a bird is to set a trap and using materials that will cause the bird to blindly walk in without knowing the danger all around him. As a kid growing up on the farm I remember once making a crude trap by using an old wooden apple box. It was simple yet deadly, however the key to my trap was not so much in the materials but the food. I put out the grain in such a way that the bird was enticed into its trap. The key was to know the nature of the bird and use any and all means to lure it forward. The rest was history. When we lack discernment and wisdom and turn a deaf ear to sound doctrine and godly counsel we as the bird in my story runs with both feet to the net. Men lay snares daily to catch some one who is impulsive and lacking in understanding. If the truth was to be known our own hearts are our worst enemies. When we lack discernment and wisdom we are as the bird that see's not the trap being set.When the need of our heart is used against us and we follow after grain particles then it is only a matter of time before we find ourselves ensnared into a situation that will bring heart ache and grief. But it does not have to be that way. I know there are those on the internet who invade community chat rooms and promise much in line of liberating freedom but yet they are mere tares among the wheat. They so identify by appearances that from all outward indications things look fine but in spiritual reality it is a carefully set trap. The key is to not be impulsive and reactionary but inste! ad to know the Word and have Truth firmly in place as ones safety net. Jesus made reference to the Holy Spirit as being the comforter and the one who leads and guides us in all truth. Jesus also said that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. So the comforter (Holy Spirit) is given to us to be our discerning eyes in sight of them who spread nets before us. If we have been taught to reject truth then how can we ever hope to avoid nets? Our own hearts will so direct us that we walk blindly right into the nets and laugh all the way as if it is no big deal. But afterwards when our world comes crashing down and the exits are shut off then what will you do? God has given us brothers and sisters for our own good in the body of Christ. To turn a deaf ear to counsel and advice is another example of running full speed ahead to the trap. Will we ever learn the lesson here in proverbs or will we go from net to net until we are so burnt out that we can no longer see for the night has ta! ken away our vision? Spend time in the Word and pray for truth and protection. Be not unwise but wise in knowing the Will of God in Christ Jesus. Messenger/servant (William)