Year of Exposure Day 43: That bait has a hook in it.

“Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice wicked works With men who work iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭141‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

To this point in our discussion of Psalm 141 (as a template for successfully navigating 2025), we have seen that David:

> cries out to the Lord for help

> lifts his hands to the Lord in an expression of helplessness (submission), praise, and adoration

> asks the Lord to help him restrain his words

> asks the Lord to keep him from evil leanings

In our opening scripture, we see that David, after asking the Lord to keep him from evil leanings, also asks let the Lord help him to not give in to partaking of those things offered by evil people.

Do you know why you can catch very large fish with just some tasty morsel floated on the water’s surface? Of course, you don’t have to be a master angler to know the answer: That tasty morsel has a hook, a barb in it. The scrumptious delicacy provokes desire in the fish that overrides its instinct toward caution. Now, dangle just that same hook in the water and the hook will return as it went in: empty.

Further, a good angler knows not to attempt to set the hook too soon. That is, don’t jerk on the line before you’ve given the fish a chance to fully take the bait. When the fish fully takes the bait, a jerk on the line will set that hook in the fish’s mouth. And, by the way, the design of the hook or barb is such that it is not easily extracted or escaped by the fish. Now the fish is today’s special.

In the case of fishing, it is the hook that holds the fish after the bait has been taken. But another very sad example illustrates that sometimes the desire itself proves to be enough of a “hook” to capture the intended victim.

The sad example referenced, is the method of capturing a monkey that employs some sort of jar with a narrow opening, into which a banana is placed.

You see, the hapless monkey, observing the banana in the jar, will quickly insert its hand to snatch the banana. The problem is, when holding onto the banana, the monkey cannot remove its hand from the jar. Therefore, sadly, hopelessly, caught by its own desire for the banana, it is delayed, giving opportunity for the jar setter to come hit the monkey over the head with a club. And so, its life is ended.

Here’s another sad story:

“While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart. She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home. She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner. She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said, “I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are! My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning. Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses, for my husband is not home. He’s away on a long trip. He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return until later this month.” So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life. So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭7‬:‭6‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Here, the proverbial writer uses as a cautionary tale, how a naïve young man is destroyed, having been enticed by an immoral woman.

Make no mistake, the world system appeals to man’s fleshly desires: the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, the pride of life, just as the immoral woman entices this young fellow to his death.

Now in times of stress, or in the midst of some chaos or confusion, or even just because our desires have not been submitted to the Holy Spirit, the enticements of evil prove to be irresistible.

“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Child of God, let’s not allow any bait of the enemy of our soul to catch us on our blind side, such that we partake in the works of evil, lest we partake of the fruit of the poisonous vine.

Remember, whether what the enemy of your soul offers is some object of desire, or an offer of “help,” beware, don’t take the bait! There’s a hook in it.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!