Proverbs 24:33-34 NLT
“A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.”

I think of Sampson when I read this passage, especially the last half. Sampson was hot headed and abrasive when he was young. As he got older, the fame of His commanding strength became known to all of Israel. Sampson became one of the Judges of Israel, which was a position that took dedication, maturity, steadfastness, patience, seriousness and most of all, a close relationship to God.

Sampson, thought life was a game and his responsibilities were second place. To him, life was about having his own way. As Sampson got older, he had a thirst for women, most specifically Phillistine women. One woman in particular caught his eye, Delilah and he did everything he could to get her.

Sampson forgot about his responsibilities and allowed his lust to dominate his life. “A little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest…” Sampson spiraled out of control, even though he thought he was still in control. Sampson toyed with sin one time too many and it cost him everything.

As Delilah was manipulated by the Phillistines, she manipulated Sampson. Thinking he would always be strong he gave away the secret to his strength and the Phillistines came in and captured Sampson. Eventually Sampson lost his eyes, lost his dignity and he lost his life. That is a lesson we all need to understand; things creep into our lives and start to consume us. We think we can shake ourselves and get back to where we need to be, but once we start in a downward spiral it is hard to get back to where we belong. Keep watch, be vigilant. Stay in the Word, pray always, be watchful of the evil one.

Prayer:
Father, keep me from letting my guard down, teach me to be watchful, prayerful and attentive to You.