Hanging out in dangerous places!

I was getting ready to leave for an early morning dentist appointment, when my attention was caught by a little snail outside on the deck railing.  

Is that little snail crazy!?!   Doesn’t he know that deck railing is where the birds like to hang out?! 


Just yesterday both a robin and a chickadee were perched on the deck railing.  

Getting through that snail shell is no problem at all for a bird.   All it takes is a single peck, and they can crack right through.  


That little snail is hanging out in a dangerous place!!   



Just before I walked out the door, I decided to check on the little snail one last time.  

Well, it seems like he’s finally figured out he’s in dangerous territory and is heading down towards somewhere safer.  

I hope he makes it.  



I was gone for the rest of the day.   Later that evening, as I was fixing dinner, I couldn’t help but think of the little snail again.   I wonder if he made it?  

I stepped outside and went over to take a look.  



Lo and behold  …  there he is.   Looks like he found some shelter.  

I wouldn’t say it’s the best shelter in the world, but it works for time being.   Perhaps once all the birds have gone to bed for the night he might try to work his way down to the ground.  

How on earth did he inch himself up that high without being noticed??  


Hanging out in dangerous places!  


Don’t we all do that sometimes.  



The book of Proverbs is filled with helpful advice to help us avoid hanging out in dangerous places.   


“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”  (Proverbs 11:2)    Pride is a dangerous place to be hanging out!  



“A foolish person shows their annoyance at once, but a prudent person overlooks an insult.”  (Proverbs 12:16)    Spouting off your mouth is a dangerous place to be hanging out!  


“The person who guards their lips guards their life, but the person who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”   (Proverbs 13:3)   It bears repeating –  Spouting off your mouth is a dangerous place to be hanging out!



“A gentle answer turns away wrath.”  (Proverbs 15:1)    Watch what you say.   It will keep you out of dangerous places!  



“A simple person believes anything, but a prudent person gives thought to their steps.”  (Proverbs 14:15) 

“Folly delights a person who lacks judgment, but a person of understanding keeps a straight course.”  (Proverbs 15:21)  



If you don’t want to accidentally wind up in a dangerous place, like the little snail inching its way along the deck railing, then take some time to read the book of Proverbs.  

Proverbs will help you know how to get down off that dangerous railing and into a safer place.   Proverbs will help you not wind up on that dangerous deck railing in the first place.  


Don’t let yourself wind up hanging out in dangerous places!