W. Barry Miller published Little Foxes That Spoil the Vines in 1996. I believe it was part of God’s plan for me to read twenty-five plus years later because that’s when I found it in a local thrift store. And what a gem this little book turned out to be. My husband and I read it together during our morning devotion time.
I’ve read Song of Solomon 2:15 countless of times. The verse says:
Take us the little foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines; for our vines have tender grapes.
Miller does a phenomenal job in using this verse as a launching pad to reflect on the little things in life that spoil relationships.
In Chapter 1 he writes, “Catch us the foxes, the little foxes, that ruin our vineyards, the little sins that deprive us of peace of mind, the things we do like complaining, criticizing, gossiping, and so on. Such things limit our witness for Christ.”
Yes, it does say “little sins”. The question needs to be asked; How has the little sins we commit on a daily basis impact not only our lives but that of others? This book is an eye opener for Christians for all ages and walks of life.
Six foxes are depicted in the book, with a chapter is devoted to each one.
The Red Fox burns with anger.
The Gray Fox comes with hurtful words.
The Blue Fox of depression that burrows into people’s minds.
The Yellow Fox that chases people into fear.
The Green Fox of greed and envy that not only makes people sick, it wrecks homes.
The Black Fox that saps the color out of life, that tries to bury people under discouragement.
Readers are taken on an extensive fox hunt that enables them to hunt down a fox that is ruining the roots of life and grabbing the grapes of joy in their lives. And more importantly, how to recover from the attacks of these pesky foxes.
The author ends each chapter with For Reflection remarks, and Encouragement from Scripture.
Here’s a book published in 1996, yet very applicable for today. Bible-based books are timeless. I encourage you to read Little Foxes That Spoil the Vines for yourself. It’s available on Amazon should you wish to purchase it.
