The concept of the "snare of the devices of evil people to deceive the righteous" is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the faithful. This entry explores the biblical understanding of such snares, the nature of evil devices, and the call for vigilance among the righteous.

Biblical Context and Meaning

In the Scriptures, a "snare" is often used metaphorically to describe traps set by the wicked to lead the righteous astray. The psalmist frequently laments the schemes of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 140:5: "The proud have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and set traps along my path." Here, the snare represents the deliberate and cunning plans of evil people to entangle the righteous in sin or harm.

The devices of evil people are characterized by deceit, manipulation, and malice. Proverbs 12:5 states, "The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit." This verse contrasts the integrity of the righteous with the deceptive nature of the wicked, emphasizing the moral chasm between the two.

Examples in Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of the righteous being targeted by the snares of the wicked. One notable instance is the account of Daniel, who faced the malicious plotting of his adversaries. In Daniel 6:4-5, we read, "Thus the administrators and satraps sought to find a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy and no negligence or corruption was found in him. Finally these men said, 'We will never find any basis for a charge against this man Daniel unless it is against the law of his God.'"

Similarly, the Pharisees and scribes often sought to entrap Jesus with their questions and challenges, as seen in Matthew 22:15: "Then the Pharisees went out and plotted to trap Jesus in His words." Their intent was to discredit Him and undermine His ministry through cunning and deceit.

The Call for Vigilance

The Bible admonishes the righteous to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of such snares. Ephesians 6:11 urges believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage underscores the spiritual warfare that believers must engage in, recognizing that the snares of the wicked are ultimately inspired by the adversary.

Furthermore, 1 Peter 5:8 warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This call to sobriety and alertness is a reminder that the righteous must be constantly aware of the spiritual dangers posed by the devices of evil people.

Divine Protection and Deliverance

Despite the prevalence of such snares, the Bible assures the righteous of God's protection and deliverance. Psalm 91:3 promises, "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague." This assurance of divine intervention provides comfort and hope to the faithful, affirming that God is their refuge and shield against the schemes of the wicked.

In conclusion, the snare of the devices of evil people to deceive the righteous is a significant biblical theme that highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. The Scriptures call the faithful to remain vigilant, discerning, and reliant on God's protection as they navigate the challenges posed by the wicked.Psalm 91:3
Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 5:26
For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that sets snares; they set a trap, they catch men.
Nave's Topical Index

Matt. xxvii. 11, 12
... And he hath a third grievous snare; as when he invests the sin ... Hear, and beware of
his devices. ... Consider now what an evil it is that they, undergoing so much ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxvi matt xxvii 11.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... be death, and we will be filled with our own devices. ... fall out and quarrel, and that
is a snare to thee. ... he that abstaineth from all appearance of evil, but he ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Treatise viii. On Works and Alms.
... the Lord will deliver him in the evil day." [3533 ... be rich fall into temptation and
a snare, and into ... and that, with the most sumptuous devices either pledging ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise viii on works and.htm

But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
... that that heart is too often a snare and a ... God, even in view of all the evil that
makes ... as Luther translates the word significantly), his devices, his search ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter vii but whilst the.htm

Book I.
... them that are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the ... the
ground....for the mind of man is set on evil from his ... Many devices in a man's heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iv.
... divers artful devices, and then fell into a snare; will this ... it on all sides, all
the enemy's devices end in ... the cause of good, and matter the cause of evil. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 4.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... world, and a blemish to religion, but a snare to his ... gracious, and merciful, and
repentest thee of the evil which thou threatenest to bring upon a people. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Homiletical.
... from the net and a bird from the snare.' [577] It ... of those who are eager to requite
evil for evil, the blood ... won the day, and turned back his devices on himself ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... I would not have you ignorant of his devices. ... "The fear of man" does indeed "bring
a snare" (Prov.29 ... not to run into it; and "deliver us from evil," unless you ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... the judgment, [2717] because we have been a snare to the ... saith the Lord against them
that feed My people: Ye have ... behold I will visit upon you the evil of your ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

How can I overcome an addiction to internet porn? Can addiction to pornography be defeated? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about luck? | GotQuestions.org

Snare: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus