Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. – Song of Solomon 2:15 (KJV)
The Song of Solomon is a strange little book many see as an allegory of the heartfelt relationship between Christ and the believer/Church.
Inside that strange little book is a strange little verse, apparently standing alone, in the middle of the woman’s professed devotion. But vines represent the believer’s life and connection to Christ (John 15:5) and grapes represent the result, or fruit, of one’s life (John 15:16).
The haunting message, right where it belongs, is that in the middle of devotion, growth, and love for Christ there can still be “little foxes” (sneaky little things that creep in under the radar, so to speak) that can spoil the results of our devotion.
We also call these blind spots, a pet belief (of a person or a religious group) having no (or obscure) scriptural support, or a favorite “little” unrepentant sin, leaving us to wonder why we can’t make traction or why things showing so much promise turn out a disappointment.
That’s why we need believers, and not just from our group or mindset, who love us enough to correct us, to point out those “little foxes”.
The wise will ask for feedback and listen.
