Saying / Proverb★★★★
A Christian never falls suddenly from an advanced Christian life to barrenness or open sin. The stages in the descent are slow, and often almost imperceptible. The little foxes spoil the vines. Little negligences of duty bring darkness on the soul, and eat out its spiritual joy. Little temptations betray it to the power of the enemy. By gradual departures from God, and little indulgences in sin, one at length falls into total backsliding and apostasy.
The point
Backsliding happens gradually through small negligences and temptations, not suddenly—like the 'little foxes' that spoil the vines through almost-imperceptible erosion.
Scripture
Song of Solomon 2:15Proverbs 16:32
Audience
Adults
Tone
Cautionary · Convicting
To tell aloud
under a minute · 76 words