Psalm 39:1

Fellow-pilgrim, do not say in your heart, “I will go here and there, and I will not sin;” for you are never so safe from sinning as to boast of security. The road is very muddy; it will be hard to choose your path so as not to soil your garments.

This is a world of pitch; you will need to watch often if you are to keep your hands clean in handling it. There is a robber at every turn of the road to rob you of your jewels; there is a temptation in every mercy, a snare in every joy; and if you ever reach heaven, it will be a miracle of divine grace to be ascribed entirely to your Father’s power.

Be on your guard. When a man carries a bombshell in his hand, he should be careful that he does not go near a candle; and you too must take care that you do not enter into temptation. Even your common actions are edged tools; you must be careful how you handle them.

There is nothing in this world to foster a Christian’s piety, but everything to destroy it. How earnestly you should look up to God, that He may keep you! Your prayer should be, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.” Having prayed, you must also watch, guarding every thought, word, and action with holy jealousy.

Do not expose yourselves unnecessarily; but if called to exposure, if you are commanded to go where the darts are flying, never venture forth without your shield; for if the devil once finds you without your buckler, he will rejoice that his hour of triumph has come, and will soon make you fall down wounded by his arrows.

Though you cannot be slain, you may be wounded. "Be sober; be vigilant, danger may be in an hour when all seems most secure to you." Therefore, take heed to your ways, and watch unto prayer. No man ever fell into error through being too watchful. May the Holy Spirit guide us in all our ways; so they will always please the Lord.