Proverbs 1:11
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לְכָ֪ה
H1980
לְכָ֪ה
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אִ֫תָּ֥נוּ
H854
אִ֫תָּ֥נוּ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לְדָ֑ם
for blood
H1818
לְדָ֑ם
for blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
6 of 9
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
נִצְפְּנָ֖ה
let us lurk
H6845
נִצְפְּנָ֖ה
let us lurk
Strong's:
H6845
Word #:
7 of 9
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
Cross References
Proverbs 1:18And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.Jeremiah 5:26For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.Proverbs 12:6The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern society struggled with banditry and violent gangs exploiting trade routes. Solomon's wisdom addressed real threats facing young men in urban centers. The phrase 'lay wait' describes ambush tactics used by thieves against travelers. This proverb warned against organized crime's appeal to unemployed youth seeking quick wealth. The counsel remains relevant across cultures and centuries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin's communal appeal ('come with us') reveal Satan's strategy of making evil seem normal through group participation?
- What does the violent endpoint of seemingly attractive sin teach us about evaluating choices by their ultimate consequences?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom personified quotes the enticement of sinners: 'Come with us, let us lay wait for blood.' This reveals sin's communal nature—evil loves company and recruits accomplices. The graphic 'lay wait for blood' exposes violence underlying greed. Sin presents itself attractively ('come with us') while concealing its murderous reality. The Reformed understanding recognizes total depravity makes humans naturally susceptible to such invitations apart from grace. Resist the first step; sin's path leads to bloodshed.