It Starts Small

¹⁵ Catch the foxes for us—
the little foxes that ruin the vineyards—
for our vineyards are in bloom.

Song of Solomon 2:15

The “little foxes” in Song of Solomon 2:15 symbolize those seemingly small or insignificant problems, habits, or sins that can wreak havoc on a blossoming relationship—be it human or spiritual—if they remain unaddressed. Just like the literal foxes that gnaw at the tender vines and obliterate the promise of a bountiful harvest, these “little foxes” can gnaw away at trust, intimacy, and vitality, threatening to unravel the very fabric of our connections over time.

Small issues, or “little foxes,” that can cause significant damage to the foundation of your relationship with the Lord often appear harmless or minor on the surface, but erode intimacy and fruitfulness over time. 7  Key “little foxes” include:

· Neglect of Spiritual Disciplines: Skipping a daily quiet time, irregular prayer, or inconsistent Bible study might seem minor once, but an ongoing pattern creates distance and a lack of spiritual nourishment, like a vine not receiving water.

· Small Compromises/”White Lies”: Minor dishonesty, cutting corners, or exposing yourself to ungodly influences “just this once” can desensitize your conscience and lead to a slide into more significant sin.

· Unforgiveness or Bitterness: Holding a minor grudge or being easily irritated by others can allow a root of bitterness to grow, which contaminates your heart and hinders your ability to receive God’s love and grace.

· Subtle Pride/Self-Sufficiency: Believing you can handle life on your own without constant reliance on the Holy Spirit, or seeking human approval over God’s, can quickly deteriorate your dependence on Him.

· Distraction and Busyness: Allowing the “worries of this life,” the pursuit of wealth, or excessive entertainment to crowd out focused time with God makes your heart unfruitful and your relationship with Him a lower priority.

· Impatience and Doubt: A lack of patience when waiting on God’s timing or plan can lead to seeds of unbelief and a lack of trust in His goodness and faithfulness, causing you to seek solutions outside of Him.

· Laziness/Procrastination: Delaying obedience to God’s nudges or being lazy in your service and faith practices are subtle forms of disobedience that can stop spiritual progress and growth. 

We are going to examine how these “little foxes” become dangerous  by examining them in the Word of God. Who are they? What are they? Where does it come from? What type of destruction does it bring to our relationship with the Lord and those around us?

---

---

There are five sections to this study:

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.