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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Indeed, it is useless to spread the <i>baited</i> net In the sight of any bird;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Indeed, it is useless to spread the net In the eyes of any bird;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For it is no use that a net is spread In the sight of any bird;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Indeed, it is useless to spread the <i>baited</i> net In the sight of any bird;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is useless to spread a net where any bird can see it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is foolish to spread a net where any bird can see it, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For in vain is the net spread In the sight of any bird:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They are like a bird that sees the bait, but ignores the trap. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For in vain is the net spread, in the eyes of any bird:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It does no good to spread a net within the sight of any bird.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It does no good to spread a net when the bird you want to catch is watching, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Look, it is useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Surely it is futile to spread a net in plain sight of any bird, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For the net is spread in vain in the sight of any bird; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Surely in vain is the net spread out before the eyes of any bird.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Surely in vain is the net spread out before the eyes of any bird.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For gratuitously the net was spread in the eyes of all possessing a wing.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But a net is spread in vain before the eyes of them that have wings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But a net is thrown in vain before the eyes of those who have wings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />In vain a net is spread right under the eyes of any bird— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For in vain is the net baited while the bird is looking on;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Surely in deceit is the net spread in the sight of any bird.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />It is by deceit that nets are spread for a bird.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For in vain the net is spread In the eyes of any bird;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />for nets are not without cause spread for birds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/1-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=98" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">The Enticement of Sin</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">How</a> <a href="/hebrew/2600.htm" title="2600: ḥin·nām (Adv) -- Out of favor. From chen; gratis, i.e. Devoid of cost, reason or advantage.">futile it is</a> <a href="/hebrew/2219.htm" title="2219: mə·zō·rāh (V-Pual-Prtcpl-fs) -- To scatter, fan, winnow. A primitive root; to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow.">to spread</a> <a href="/hebrew/7568.htm" title="7568: hā·rā·šeṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- A net. From yarash; a net.">the net</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">where any</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·ʿal (N-msc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">bird</a> <a href="/hebrew/3671.htm" title="3671: kā·nāp̄ (N-fs) -- Wing, extremity. From kanaph; an edge or extremity; specifically a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nê (Prep-b:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">can see it!</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26-27</a></span><br />For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. / Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Psalm 10:9</a></span><br />He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-15.htm">Habakkuk 1:15-16</a></span><br />The foe pulls all of them up with a hook; he catches them in his dragnet, and gathers them in his fishing net; so he rejoices gladly. / Therefore he sacrifices to his dragnet and burns incense to his fishing net, for by these things his portion is sumptuous and his food is rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12</a></span><br />For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-5.htm">Isaiah 59:5-6</a></span><br />They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched. / Their cobwebs cannot be made into clothing, and they cannot cover themselves with their works. Their deeds are sinful deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/18-8.htm">Job 18:8-10</a></span><br />For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh. / A trap seizes his heel; a snare grips him. / A noose is hidden in the ground, and a trap lies in his path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Psalm 64:5-6</a></span><br />They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. / They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-5.htm">Psalm 140:5</a></span><br />The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Matthew 23:33</a></span><br />You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34-35</a></span><br />But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a></span><br />While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm">2 Timothy 2:26</a></span><br />Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-15.htm">Romans 3:15-16</a></span><br />“Their feet are swift to shed blood; / ruin and misery lie in their wake,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a></span><br />But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.</p><p class="hdg">in vain</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23</a></b></br> Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it <i>is</i> for his life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/35-11.htm">Job 35:11</a></b></br> Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-3.htm">Isaiah 1:3</a></b></br> The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: <i>but</i> Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/148-10.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/psalms/148-10.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-13.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-9.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/psalms/141-9.htm">Net</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/psalms/143-6.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/psalms/143-6.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/psalms/140-13.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/119-118.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/psalms/139-20.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/psalms/68-24.htm">View</a> <a href="/psalms/139-9.htm">Wings</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-31.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-26.htm">Net</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-16.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm">View</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Wings</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">The use of the proverbs</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">An exhortation to fear God, and believe his word</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-10.htm">to avoid the enticing of sinners</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Wisdom complains of her contempt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">She threatens her contemners</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>How futile it is to spread the net</b><br>This phrase highlights the futility of attempting to trap or deceive when the intended target is aware of the trap. In biblical context, this can be seen as a metaphor for the futility of sinful schemes. The imagery of a net is often used in Scripture to represent entrapment or deceit (<a href="/psalms/140-5.htm">Psalm 140:5</a>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12</a>). The net symbolizes the plans of the wicked, which are ultimately doomed to fail when they are exposed. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God sees all actions and intentions, and nothing is hidden from His sight (<a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a>).<p><b>where any bird can see it!</b><br>The mention of a bird being able to see the net suggests awareness and discernment. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, birds were often used as symbols of freedom and awareness. The idea here is that just as a bird would avoid a visible trap, so should people avoid obvious sinful schemes. This can be connected to the wisdom literature's emphasis on discernment and understanding (<a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11-12</a>). The phrase also serves as a warning against underestimating the awareness of others, including God, who is omniscient. In a broader theological sense, it can be seen as a call to live righteously and transparently, knowing that God is aware of all actions and intentions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/birds.htm">Birds</a></b><br>In this verse, birds are used metaphorically to illustrate the futility of setting traps in plain sight. Birds represent those who are aware and cautious.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/n/net.htm">Net</a></b><br>The net symbolizes traps or schemes that are laid out, often representing the deceitful plans of the wicked.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_simple.htm">The Simple</a></b><br>Throughout Proverbs, "the simple" refers to those who are naive or lack discernment, often falling prey to obvious traps.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that is pleasing to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_and_discernment.htm">Awareness and Discernment</a></b><br>Just as birds avoid visible traps, Christians should be discerning and aware of the spiritual and moral traps in the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_deceit.htm">The Futility of Deceit</a></b><br>Deceptive practices are ultimately futile and self-defeating. God calls us to live transparently and truthfully.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Wisdom</a></b><br>Seeking wisdom helps us recognize and avoid the snares of sin and temptation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection.htm">God's Protection</a></b><br>Trust in God's guidance and protection to navigate through life's challenges and avoid the traps set by the enemy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/teaching_the_next_generation.htm">Teaching the Next Generation</a></b><br>Imparting wisdom to the younger generation helps them recognize and avoid the pitfalls of life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_ravens_feed_a_prophet.htm">How can ravens (1 Kings 17:4) realistically supply a prophet with enough food to survive, given the limited carrying capacity of birds?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_global_hunger_if_believers_shouldn't_worry.htm">Matthew 6:25-26: If believers shouldn't worry about food or clothes, how do we explain global hunger and poverty?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_wisdom_futile_in_ecclesiastes_2_15-16.htm">Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_mocking_the_poor_go_unpunished.htm">Proverbs 17:5 suggests God is directly involved in consequences for mocking the poor. How do we reconcile this with observable reality where such mockery often seems unpunished?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">Surely in vain </span>. . .--The second reason: their folly in so doing, for God will bring punishment upon them; in the "same net which they hid privily will their foot be taken "(<a href="/psalms/9-15.htm" title="The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.">Psalm 9:15</a>). Even birds are wiser than they. It is useless to spread a net in the sight of any bird.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Surely in vain the net is spread in the face of any bird.</span> The teacher here advances a <span class="accented">second</span> reason in support of his warning in ver. 15, under the form of a proverb in its strict sense. It is based on the ill-advised audacity of sinners in flying in the face of God's judgments. <span class="accented">In vain</span> (<span class="hebrew">חִנָּם</span> <span class="accented">khinnam</span>), see ver. 11, may be taken in two senses. <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> <span class="accented">I.e.</span> to no purpose, <span class="accented">gratis, frustra</span> (Vulgate, Chaldee Paraphrase, Arabic). The meaning of the proverb here used then is, "to no purpose is the net spread before birds," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> though they see the net spread before them, they nevertheless fly into it (romp. <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23</a>, "As a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life"). So sinners, when they are plotting for others, plunge into their own destruction with their eyes open. Therefore do not associate with them, do not imitate their crass folly, be warned by their example, or you will share their fate. This view is supported by the LXX. reading, <span class="greek">Οὐ γὰρ</span> <span class="greek">ἀδίκως ἐκτείνεται δίκτυα πτερωτοῖς</span>, "For not unreasonably is the net spread before birds;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> they fall into the snare (see Luther, Patrick, Umbreit, Ewatd, Hitzig, Zockler, Plumptre). <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> Others, as Delitzsch, Ziegler, Beda, Doderlein, Bertheau, Wardlaw, take <span class="accented">khinnam</span> in a different sense, as indicating the escape of the birds - the birds see the snare and fly away, and so in vain the net is spread in their sight. This explanation is in agreement with Ovid's statement, "Quae nimis apparent retia vitat avis." The moral motive put before youth in this case is the aggravation of his guilt if he listens to the enticements of sinners. The teacher seems to say, "Imitate the birds, flee from temptation; if you listen to sinners, you will sin with your eyes open." <span class="accented">Is spread</span>; <span class="hebrew">מְזֹרָה</span> (<span class="accented">m</span> <span class="accented">zorah</span>)<span class="accented">, expansum</span>, not <span class="accented">conspersum est, i.e.</span> besprinkled or strewn with corn as a bait, as Rashi. <span class="accented">M'zorah</span> is the participle passive of pual, <span class="hebrew">זֹרָה</span> (<span class="accented">zorah</span>), "to be strewn," from kal <span class="hebrew">זָרָה</span> (<span class="accented">zarah</span>). "to scatter, or disperse" (Gesenius), and means <span class="accented">expansum</span>, because when a net is scattered or dispersed it is spread out (see Delitzsch). <span class="accented">Of any bird</span> (<span class="hebrew">כָּל־בַּעַל כָּנָפ</span> <span class="accented">khal-baal khanaph</span>); literally, <span class="accented">of every possessor of a wing</span>, or, as margin, <span class="accented">of everthing that hath a wing, i.e.</span> of every bird. Compare the same expression in <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20</a>, <span class="hebrew">בַּעַל חַכְּנָפַיִם</span> (<span class="accented">baal hach</span> <span class="accented">naphayim</span>); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "that which hath wings" (Authorized Version). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/1-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">How</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">futile</span><br /><span class="heb">חִ֭נָּם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥin·nām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2600.htm">Strong's 2600: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gratis, devoid of cost, reason, advantage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to spread</span><br /><span class="heb">מְזֹרָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·zō·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2219.htm">Strong's 2219: </a> </span><span class="str2">To toss about, to diffuse, winnow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the net</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָ֑שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rā·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7568.htm">Strong's 7568: </a> </span><span class="str2">A net</span><br /><br /><span class="word">where any</span><br /><span class="heb">כָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bird</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּ֥עַל‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> </span><span class="str2">A master, a husband, owner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can see it.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֝עֵינֵ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:17 For in vain is the net spread (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/1-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 1:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/1-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 1:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>