“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, while our vineyards are in blossom.” (Song of Solomon 2:15)
The little foxes can be compared to thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions that become habits. The fox has as his goal to make these habits become contrary to God’s principles. We will therefore sow habits that will produce failure, despair, discouragement, and financial bondage. We will miss experiencing the joy that comes from freedom.
It is interesting to note that the fox commences, conducts and completes his ruining activities during the good times when the vineyard is in blossom. When times are good, we are tempted to lose our focus and our vision.
It is during these times of plenty that we begin to focus on the blessings and not on the Blessor. We begin to think we, as the created being, are responsible for our success and not our Creator. We are tempted to do it our way instead of His way. We begin to follow our path because it seems right and forget that this will only lead to ruin. (Proverbs 14:12)
The foxes want our focus directed on us, our plans and our success. They want us to seek our comfort and our profit no matter what the cost. Boasting replaces praise and gratefulness.
We are warned that this arrogance and boasting is evil. Our response should be to determine what is God’s will and to act accordingly. We should say ”If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.” (James 4:13-16)
The foxes are cunning and determined. Character qualities such as wisdom, discretion, love, alertness, humility, decisiveness and responsibility will help to render them ineffective.