“The LORD is known by the judgment which He executes: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah” (Psalm 9:16).

First, let’s deal with the two words in the text. Higgaion is the word for “meditation.” The idea of Selah may be a beautiful musical term. One of my Bible college professors always said, “The word Selah means, now stop and think of this!” Second, what must you and I be meditating upon in stopping to think?It is the powerful reminder that we cannot get away with sin. I will never forget that day even though it took place over forty-five years ago. My father had given me permission to drive his car from our home to the church to turn the heat on. As soon as I could see that the furnace was working properly and that the little country church was heating up, because I was a new driver, I was to drive straight home. The roads were slippery that morning, and I was not to be out driving except to the church and home again. I decided to take just a little joyride and then head for home. Sure enough, my right front tire began to slide in the snow and ice and after a few seconds of a terrifying ride I was sitting on top of a four foot snow bank. My sin now entrapped me. That is exactly what David is speaking about in this hymn of his. It was a painful experience. What a vivid reminder for all of us as we think about this throughout the day. Sin usually appears to us as harmless, enticing, and no one will ever find out! But this simply is not true.

For today: If we would think before we act today, it might save us from some painful lessons!