Watchfulness is the trait of being aware of the dangers that surround us. We must be on the constant lookout for those things that can prevent us from being on the right path and flee from them as fast as possible.
The prophet Jeremiah cried out regarding the people of his generation that they had not considered their ways. They did not consider the traps that they fell into taking them off the correct path in life and how they did not examine their deeds. As a result, the Beit HaMikdash – the Temple – was destroyed.
We also learn about Pharaoh who made certain that the Israelites were overwhelmed with work so that they would be distracted from even thinking about how life could be better and how they could escape. This is the trap of the evil inclination – to keep us busy and occupied – distracted from considering what is important in life.
