Those who oppress the poor and needy may find it as easy as splitting logs. But let them beware! It's dangerous business. Many a woodcutter has been killed by a flying splinter from the very tree he was cutting. When you hurt one of God's people, you persecute Jesus himself—and he is mighty to defend his beloved ones. Success in crushing the poor? That should make you tremble. If there's no danger for oppressors here, there will certainly be danger in the world to come.

Now consider this: chopping wood is ordinary, everyday work, and yet it has its dangers. So then, friend, your daily life and work have spiritual dangers you need to recognize. I'm not talking about accidents or disease or sudden death. I'm talking about dangers to your soul.

Your job may be as humble as splitting logs, and still the devil can tempt you there. You may be a domestic servant, a factory worker, a mechanic. You may think you're shielded from the obvious sins of the world, and yet some secret sin may be destroying you from within. Even those who stay home, who never mingle with the rough world, can be endangered by their very isolation.

Here's the truth: no one is safe who thinks they are safe.

Pride can slip into a poor man's heart. Greed can rule in the humblest cottage. Sexual sin can creep into the quietest household. Anger, envy, and malice can worm their way into the most peaceful neighborhood. Even in a casual conversation with a coworker, we may sin. A simple purchase at the store can be the first link in a chain of temptation. Just glancing out the window can be the beginning of evil.

O Lord, how exposed we are! How shall we be kept safe? Guarding ourselves is too hard for us—only you can preserve us in this world full of evil. So spread your wings over us! We will cower down beneath you like baby chicks beneath their mother, and there—and only there—will we be safe.