Prison of Me - Proverbs 5

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Proverbs 5

"For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness." vs. 21-23

These are hard words.  Each of us knows we are a sinner.  Each of us knows we are the worst of sinners.  How long will I be held captive by my own selfishness?  Will I die from lack of self-control?  What a statement.  

We see this happen time and time again.  Death from addiction, death from poor decisions, even suicide could be considered a lack of self-control. What harsh truth lies in these few verses.

A few years ago I was in a deep place because I felt that everything around me was becoming out of MY control until the Spirit suddenly snapped me back screaming, "It's not about you!"  I became angry with myself for allowing all the hurt others were feeling to turn my heart toward selfishness rather than compassion.  Yes, I had lost all control - all my self-control.  And then I realized I was trapped.  My selfishness was holding me captive, my self-pity had become the ropes that caught and held me.  Then I wrote these lyrics:

PRISON OF ME

My mind becomes a lonely place

When I’m the only one consuming my own grace

I only see myself, forgetting my own face

I dwell on that and nothing else but this solitary place

     So what? What if? If only…

     These are the bars that cage me

     It’s them, not me. No really!

     These are the chains that enslave me

I know I can’t run, I know I can’t hide

Secluded in exile with me, myself, and I

So here I am, restless and desperate and ready to scream!

Trapped in this prison of me.

Trapped inside my mind;

Decide the world is blind

I’m isolated, jilted and jaded

     Why me? Why now? Who sees me?

     These are the poisons that plague me.

     Who cares? Who’s there? Oh tell me,

     How can I ever be free?  

I know I can’t run, I know I can’t hide

Secluded in exile with me, myself, and I

So here I am, restless and desperate and ready to scream!

Trapped in this prison of me.

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Lord, I know I must continually ask for your forgiveness because I continually sin. Please increase my wisdom. Please increase my self-control.  Please free me from myself and save me...Oh, wait...you've already done that.  Praise be the Name of Jesus. Amen.


Chapter 5 Survival Skills:
Discernment - vs. 2
Self Defense - vs. 3-6, 8-14
Offensive Maneuvers - 15-23
Training - all of chapter 5 is addressed to the next generation, 5 & 7