Ecclesiastes 9:12

Ecclesiastes 9:12 (ESV): “For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.”

Living life footloose and fancy-free is a sure way to be overtaken by sin. We are free in Christ, but we must remain vigilant because life is full of evil nets and snares. Walk circumspectly, lest you be entrapped.

The Preacher makes a bold observation here — that life happens by chance. He seems all over the map in this regard. In Ecclesiastes 7:14, he says God is in control, and now he appears to suggest that life is random. This is the mindset of someone not fully surrendered to the Word of God or walking in the Spirit of God. That kind of thinking will leave you discouraged and easily ensnared. Evil is everywhere; that’s why we must walk carefully and intentionally to avoid it. Nothing truly happens by chance.

How are you walking today? Are you walking in the Spirit or in the flesh? We have the free will to choose. But don’t be surprised if you are overtaken by evil and ensnared when you’ve chosen the path of the flesh. God has given us His Spirit so we can walk uprightly. Choose to walk in His strength. He alone can keep you free. Every step you take is a decision — so choose wisely. Amen?

Father, we thank You for being our strength in times of weakness, our wisdom in times of confusion, and our help in times of trouble. You are our all in all. May we choose to live for You each day. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.