Proverbs 22:13 - Squirrels ate my homework

As an online college instructor, I've heard a lot of different excuses as to why homework hasn't been done. The latest excuse was that, in one particular town, internet cables were being chewed by squirrels. Now to be fair to the squirrels, the critters were only the latest in a list of culprits the student blamed for not completing assignments.

And to be fair to the student, they are not the first human to blame an animal for something.

Solomon described the lazy person who claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!” (Proverbs 22:13, New Living Translation)

Jonah blamed a worm for ruining his happiness by eating away at a plant that was shading him. Actually it was actually his own prejudice that was eating away at his heart. (Jonah 4)

Balaam blamed his donkey for putting up a road block, when it was actually God trying to stop his madness and rebellion. (Numbers 22; 2 Pet 2:15-16; Jude 11; Rev 2:14)

The pattern goes all the way back to Eve, who blamed the serpent for tempting her to eat forbidden fruit, but God still held her responsible for her choice. (Gen 3:13-16)

Beware excuses that are pinned on anyone or anything that's defenseless to counter otherwise.

...and Father, keep us from using those same tactics. Make us people who live honestly and take responsibility for the decisions we make. Amen.