Proverbs 26:27

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
    And a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.

We have all heard the saying, “He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword”. This proverb is a variation on that theme. He who starts trouble will eventually get caught up in its web. There are too many variables at work. We are not God—that is, we are not sovereign and in complete control—so we will pay the consequences of our schemes.

We can underestimate the reactions of others. Instead of compliance, there might be anger, for instance. A practical joke may create an angry reaction. We may be very good at making plans and “setting things up,” but we are poor at calculating the human heart and anticipating victim’s retaliations. Unintended consequences will take anyone by surprise.

The one who digs the pit does not take the One who is watching his every step into account. This same One will also ensure that justice is rendered with perfect timing. However large the pit may be that is dug, there is a more terrible pit awaiting the schemer. However great the stone is that the perpetrator sends rolling, a greater stone will fall on him.

Falling into your own pit or being hurt by your own stone will be a blessing if it makes you come to your senses.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict the pit diggers or stone rollers in your life and point them beyond their short term plans to see the consequences of their actions and repent.