In what ways can we avoid the "snare" mentioned in Job 18:9? The Warning in Job 18:9 “ ‘A snare seizes him by the heel; a trap snaps shut on him.’ ” (Job 18:9) Bildad describes how the wicked are suddenly caught. Scripture treats this picture as a sober reminder for every believer: snares are real, but they can be avoided. What the Snare Looks Like • Sudden – it seizes “by the heel,” catching the unsuspecting. • Binding – once closed, escape is difficult without divine help (2 Timothy 2:26). • Destructive – meant to halt progress and steal freedom (John 10:10). Common Snares in Daily Life • Secret sin that seems harmless but grows (James 1:14-15). • Compromise with worldly values for acceptance (Proverbs 29:25). • Resentment and unforgiveness that choke spiritual vitality (Ephesians 4:31-32). • Love of money and materialism (1 Timothy 6:9). • Prideful self-reliance (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Doctrinal error that subtly distorts truth (2 Peter 2:1). God’s Pathway Around the Trap 1. Fear the LORD • “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” (Proverbs 29:25) 2. Stay saturated in the Word • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 3. Walk in close obedience • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 4. Remain alert and sober-minded • “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around…” (1 Peter 5:8) 5. Wear the full armor of God • “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11) 6. Practice immediate repentance • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9) 7. Cultivate accountable fellowship • “Two are better than one… if either falls, his companion can lift him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) 8. Depend on the Holy Spirit’s power • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Practical Steps to Walk Safely • Begin each day asking God to show hidden traps before you step into them (Psalm 139:23-24). • Memorize verses that target your personal weak spots. • Set clear boundaries—digital, relational, financial—before temptation appears. • Keep short accounts: confess the moment conviction strikes. • Regularly review your life with a trusted, mature believer. • Replace idle moments with purposeful service and worship. Living Free “He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly plague.” (Psalm 91:3) God does not merely warn us; He provides the rescue route. By fearing Him, filling our hearts with His Word, and walking in Spirit-empowered obedience, we can step over every hidden trap and enjoy the freedom intended for His children. |
    |