Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Have you ever caught a fox? Neither have I. But I am assuming that chasing and catching a fox would be quite a feat. Solomon uses this picture of catching foxes to remind us of little things that can do considerable damage. Marriage is often about “catching foxes.”

Song of Solomon 2:15
Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.

Little foxes seem rather innocent. But in time, they can ruin an entire vineyard. Their small yet consistent bites cause healthy plants to wither and die. Little foxes need to be caught and kept out of the vineyard.

Just as little foxes can wreak havoc in a vineyard, so the “little foxes” of marriage can cause great damage to relationships. The consistent bites of pride, jealousy, and selfishness can ruin a marriage. Anger, bad communication, and unforgiveness take their toll. Abusing or using sex as a manipulative tool, letting reckless words pierce our spouse like a sword, criticism, physical absence, emotional absence—all these little foxes will destroy a once-healthy relationship.

Little foxes of sin must be admitted, repented of, and expelled from the vineyard of your marriage. Address the issues in your life before these issues ruin your life. Catch the little foxes. Ask God to change you…and watch well-being and contentment return to the vineyard of your marriage.

Father, help us deal with the little foxes of sin before they destroy the relationship that you have so graciously given to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.