Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines; for our our vines have tender grapes.–SS 2:15
The little things of life are of great importance. Those who fail to see this become little people. A great man will never ignore their importance. He understands that the neglect of little things will bring him down little by little.
Surely you have noticed that the Word of God sets forth some of the most beautiful and important lessons in the form of little things—little flowers, little birds, little drops of dew, little children, etc. And it demands faithfulness in the things that are least. In other words, the Bible makes a big deal out of little things–and that should get our attention in a big way!
John Colwell wrote in 1882:”My friend, life is great because it is the aggregation of littles.
As the coral reefs which rear themselves high above the crawling sea beneath, are all made up of minute skeletons of microscopic animalcules; so life, mighty and solemn as having eternal consequences–life that hangs over the sea of eternity, is made up of these minute incidents, of these trifling duties, of these small tasks; and only those who are faithful in the least are, or can be, faithful in the whole.
Little things make either . . .
the joy–or the sorrow,
the success–or the ruin,
the safety–or the danger,
the grandeur–or the smallness
–of human life. Illustrations of this principle abound.
Little neglects lead to great ruin.
Little precautions lead to great safety.
Little wastings make great losses.
Little savings make great gains.
Little troubles make us miserable.
Little virtues make us godly.
Little vices make us wicked.
Therefore, says inspired Wisdom, “Catch the foxes–the little foxes that spoil the vines,” which is equivalent to saying, “I know you will keep out the more hateful and destructive full-grown foxes by stopping all the large holes in the vineyard fence. Your danger lies in overlooking the smaller gaps by which the little foxes may enter, and thus spoil your vines by robbing them of the tender grapes.”
How forcibly may this advice be urged upon Christian people! They will be almost certain to secure the vineyard against the intrusion of shameful vices, destructive sins, and great scandals; but are they always so careful to stop the smaller breaches in the fence of their Christian character against the little foxes, lesser sins, smaller vices, and trifling moral blemishes which, nevertheless, spoil the loveliness and perfection of their lives? Judging from observation and experience, we fear not.”
