"Oh that one would hear me! Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book." (Job 31:35)
It'd then be so easy, wouldn't it? You knew all the ways Satan would try to hinder you and you'd weave in and out and among all his plans and, life would be easy and serene. Assuming you believe in God, you can't dismiss the devil. Just because he isn't brought into the discussion for fear of falling into the abyss, doesn't mean he isn't there. You just have to know where (and how) to look. And when Job says "mine adversary" in the above, the Hebrew word for such essentially refers to a "man" who is essentially fighting or wrestling with him. Know, though, that anytime you see "Satan" in the Old Testament, his name is Hebrew for the same. Many times in the King James is "adversary" transliterated from "satan" but in this case, it seems to be toned down a tad. But I believe Job knows to whom he's referring...
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11)
I would say one of the surest ways to know you're struggling under one of "his devices" would be an ever-present atmosphere of confusion. God says this: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11) This is so comforting in that while we may wade through our days, expecting beauty and joy and surprise, God waits at the finish line even as He walks with us. And the clarity that results from keeping this view, in view--is sublime. Is it always there and easy to maintain? Certainly not. This is one of the chief aims of the devil, to obscure your future and therefore your present with his confusion. It takes intelligence to do this. In order for you to cloud someone's vision, you must know what you're doing, having a broader view and vantage point. How sinister.
"In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion." (Psalm 71:1)
This is why it's good to know what is written in God's word. If I had one word to describe God's voice, it'd be clear. God's words are footholds and stepping stones out of the live atmosphere of confusion into that which God has already laid out before you and is as sure as He. In closing, the best way to avoid what the adversary had written in its book is to know the Lord. To walk with Him and enjoy Him even as He weaves in and around you the beautiful things He's planned.
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:6)