Have you ever seen a stumbling-block? It’s mentioned 16 times in the Bible, but have you ever seen one? Is there an Acme Stumbling-Block factory somewhere, where they make them?
The Greek word in the New Testament that has been translated as “stumbling-block” is skandalon–which means a baited trap, like a mousetrap… which you should leave alone, because it’ll get you if you don’t.
The Latin word which we also find in the Bible is scandalum–“offense.” Our word, “scandal,” can be traced back many centuries. Over time, its meaning has changed.
So there is no actual stumbling-block as such; it’s a metaphor. Temptations and trials that lead you astray, even into injury or danger. The stumbling-blocks of which you have to beware are not in your sidewalk, but in daily life itself.
Yes, the stumbling blocks we encounter are placed there by our enemy. Beware of them