The pits we dig to trap others: A word from Rumi, Proverbs, and Malcolm X

We should be suspicious of what we want.

Proverbs 26:27: “If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.”

“….I dig pits to trap others
And fall in.

I should be suspicious
Of what I want.”

— Rumi, Who makes these changes?

Long before the cartoon coyote set traps for the roadrunner that only trapped himself, ancient sources of wisdom warned us against plots, revenge schemes and stratagems.

There is an element of Murphy’s Law in both Proverbs and the Rumi poem.

But read more carefully. It’s not planning per se that’s the problem. Plotting is different, and plotting is the problem.

You might recognize this in your life. It’s the stuff you say after “I’ll show them.”

We all do it. We all say it. But it’s a misuse of our energies. We should be suspicious of what we want.

Proverbs 20:22: “Do not say ‘I’ll pay you back for this thing!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver for you.

The book does not say he will deliver revenge for you. It says he will deliver for you. Perhaps instead of the small, petty payback you thought you wanted, you’ll be blessed with something you need.

At worst, you’ll have avoided putting more toxic energy into the world. That counts as a win too.

Malcolm X taught that hate does not just affect the victim. Hate affects the hater. It hardens their hearts. It turns their faces to snarls. It makes a liar of their faith.

Eventually, hate turns on itself. The coyote’s bomb blows up in his face.

Eventually, the chickens come home to roost.