Proverbs 1:17
Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חִ֭נָּם
Surely in vain
H2600
חִ֭נָּם
Surely in vain
Strong's:
H2600
Word #:
2 of 8
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
בְּ֝עֵינֵ֗י
in the sight
H5869
בְּ֝עֵינֵ֗י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Proverbs 7:23Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.Job 35:11Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?Jeremiah 8:7Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
Historical Context
Reflects common hunting practice of netting birds, which required concealment for success. Applied metaphorically to thieves' self-deception - they see others' downfall yet assume they'll escape similar consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- What obvious 'nets' are you walking toward despite seeing others trapped by similar choices?
- How does sin blind your judgment to consequences you readily recognize in others' lives?
Analysis & Commentary
The proverb about spreading nets in birds' sight illustrates the folly of pursuing obvious traps. Birds avoid visible nets; yet sinners rush into evident dangers, blinded by greed and passion. The verse exposes sin's irrational nature - it makes people stupid, ignoring clear warnings of consequences. This demonstrates depravity's intellectual dimension - sin darkens understanding, making people embrace their own destruction despite abundant warning.