Ezekiel 13:17-19
“‘And the women prophets—son of man, take your stand against the women prophets who make up stuff out of their own minds. Oppose them. Say ‘Doom’ to the women who sew magic bracelets and head scarves to suit every taste, devices to trap souls. Say, ‘Will you kill the souls of my people, use living souls to make yourselves rich and popular? You have profaned me among my people just to get ahead yourselves, used me to make yourselves look good—killing souls who should never have died and coddling souls who shouldn’t live. You’ve lied to people who love listening to lies.’’”
“‘Now, son of man, speak out against the women who prophesy from their own imaginations. This is what the Sovereign LORD says: What sorrow awaits you women who are ensnaring the souls of my people, young and old alike. You tie magic charms on their wrists and furnish them with magic veils. Do you think you can trap others without bringing destruction on yourselves? You bring shame on me among my people for a few handfuls of barley or a piece of bread. By lying to my people who love to listen to lies, you kill those who should not die, and you promise life to those who should not live.’”
These verses, directed to women, address their peculiar weakness for gossip in magic. In Ezekiel’s time magic took the form of charms. Now we call it superstition. It moves life from under God’s umbrella to that of another mysterious, exotic, force. We can never manufacture peace and prosperity through tying ourselves in charm-knots. Believer’s lives are securely foreordained by Almighty God where we are safe from evil and its veiled intent. His plan is always in our best interest though it usually takes hindsight to see it. Instead of gossip and making charms, let us be like the woman of Proverbs 31:10-31, who rules herself with godly wisdom, working for her family and God’s honor.
Lord, I often bear no resemblance to that woman in Proverbs. Forgive my turning away from your security, as if my worry has power to save. Let me turn to you instead, living and sharing your peace when trouble looms, setting a right example for those who follow.