What practical steps can we take to "turn from the snares of death"? Key Verse “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” – Proverbs 14:27 What the Snares Look Like • Hidden traps of sin that tighten when ignored (Psalm 18:5; 116:3) • False assurances that “everyone does it” (Proverbs 16:25) • Habits that feel harmless but deaden the soul (Romans 6:23) Step 1 – Embrace the Fear of the LORD • Cultivate reverent awe through daily Scripture reading (Psalm 119:38) • Speak to God with humility, remembering His holiness (Isaiah 6:5) • Let that awe guide choices; if it dishonors Him, refuse it Step 2 – Drink Deeply from Wise Teaching • “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.” – Proverbs 13:14 • Read Proverbs a chapter a day; note a principle to practice • Invite seasoned believers to correct and counsel (Proverbs 27:6) Step 3 – Guard the Heart Relentlessly • “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” – Proverbs 4:23 • Filter media, conversations, and environments that plant corruption • Memorize verses that target your weakest points (Psalm 119:11) Step 4 – Choose Life-Giving Companions • “He who walks with the wise will become wise.” – Proverbs 13:20 • Seek fellowship that stirs love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) • Break ties with influencers of compromise (1 Corinthians 15:33) Step 5 – Confess and Forsake Sin Quickly • “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13 • Keep short accounts; confess at the first prick of conviction (1 John 1:9) • Replace the sin with a specific act of obedience Step 6 – Walk by the Spirit, Not by the Flesh • “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” – Romans 8:13 • Start the day asking the Spirit to lead every thought and reaction • Practice immediate obedience when He prompts (Galatians 5:16) Step 7 – Fix Eyes on Eternity • Remember the narrow gate and the life that follows (Matthew 7:13-14) • Let the certainty of judgment motivate holy living (Hebrews 9:27) • Store treasures where death cannot steal them (Matthew 6:19-21) Living It Out Today • Rise ten minutes earlier to read and pray Proverbs 14:27 aloud • Identify one “snare” and replace it with a Scripture-anchored habit • Text a trusted believer for accountability before nightfall • End the day thanking God for every escape He provided (1 Corinthians 10:13) |
    |