Circumspection: Guarding Against Hidden Spiritual Dangers

Moses concludes his precepts with a solemn command: "Be circumspect in all things." The original language suggests three dimensions of this vigilance. First, we must awake fully to the importance of Yahweh's commands: give them intelligent and reverent examination, store them in memory, and study their beneficent operation. Second, we must guard against temptations that arrive suddenly, insidiously, and deceptively.…