The one who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever rolls a stone—it will come back on him. (Proverbs 26:27)
This proverb Solomon wrote is reminiscent of two of David’s laments in Psalms 7 and 57 while he was persecuted by Saul and his tribe. In this proverb and in both psalms, Solomon and David write about the consequences when a person schemes to dig a pit for someone else—the wicked person falls into it.
We can view this proverb in two ways—either as the oppressed like Solomon and David, or as the oppressor, the pit digger and stone roller. The fact that the Bible contains poems of lament shows that we can pour our hearts to our Lord just the same when we’re oppressed. Jesus calls us to come to Him as weary and burdened, and He will give us rest (Mt. 11:28).
Now, you may have never dug a pit nor rolled a stone on anyone before, but think of a time you were the oppressor, thinking ill of someone, wanting to “dig that pit” for him or her. It could be a moment you were fighting your sibling when you were kids, or feeling envious over a colleague who took credit belonging to you, or arguing with your spouse, or feeling frustrated when your son or daughter doesn’t obey you as the parent. Was it worth “digging that pit” and thinking badly of the person?
The design of God’s poetic justice is that evil will be thwarted. There may be evil still in your heart, so that is a warning to you. Praise God, however, that He gives hope for repentance, for God’s kindness is meant for you to turn to Him. He does not treat us as we often deserve! When He hinders you from falling into the pit you dug to harm others, praise Him! If you suffer the consequences and realize the err of your ways, praise Him! For the Lord is giving you another chance to turn in faith to His Son. He has spared you by sending His Son to the world to take your place and turn from your ways. Better to fall and learn than fall into a fiery pit!
If you feel oppressed, come to Jesus for rest. If you are the one oppressing others, come to Jesus and stop digging pits… Don’t be digging yourself a pit you can never get out of!