Proverbs 1:17 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 1:10-19

Here Solomon gives another general rule to young people, in order to their finding out, and keeping in, the paths of wisdom, and that is to take heed of the snare of bad company. David's psalms begin with this caution, and so do Solomon's proverbs; for nothing is more destructive, both to a lively devotion and to a regular conversation (Prov. 1:10): ?My son, whom I love, and have a tender concern for, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.? This is good advice for parents to give their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:17

Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. Or "without cause" F25 הנם "sine causa", Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus. , as the word is rendered in Proverbs 1:11 ; and so the words are an illustration of the preceding; showing that the blood of innocent persons is shed without cause, no injury being done by them to those that do it, but is shed without any provocation at all; just as the net is spread for the innocent bird, which has done no harm to the fowler that seeks... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:17

Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird - This is a proverb of which the wise man here makes a particular use; and the meaning does not seem as difficult as some imagine. The wicked are represented as lurking privily for the innocent. It is in this way alone that they can hope to destroy them and take their substance; for if their designs were known, proper precautions would be taken against them; for it would be vain to spread the net in the sight of those birds which men... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:8-19

1. First admonitory discourse. Warning against enticements to robbery and bloodshed. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:10-19

Warnings against the evils of the time An unsettled time, one of violence and insecurity of life, appears to be indicated, such as has only its occasional parallel in our society. Yet the perverted impulses which lead to open crime are those which induce every species of dishonesty and more subtle attacks upon the life or property of others. We may thus draw from a particular description some general lessons. But it seems to give more point and force to the passage if we view it as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:10-19

The peril and the wisdom of youth: a sermon to the young Hew many human lives are nothing better than failures! How many souls are there that "make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience"! Over how many of the children of men do the wise and the holy mourn, as those who might have done well and wrought good, but who have turned aside to folly, guilt, and ruin! As a rule, these have gone astray in their younger days. Temptation assailed them when they were comparatively unarmed, attacked... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:17

Surely in vain the net is spread in the face of any bird. The teacher here advances a second reason in support of his warning in Proverbs 1:15 , 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. In vain ( חִנָּם , khinnam ) , see Proverbs 1:11 , may be taken in two senses. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 1:17

Proverbs 1:17. Surely in vain the net is spread, &c. Even the silly birds will not suffer themselves to be taken if the net be spread in their sight; therefore, be at least as wise as they, and shun that which, by repeated experience, is always known to end in ruin. Thus understood, the sentence connects with the preceding verse, and contains an argument to enforce the caution given to the young man, to shun the misery and ruin in which his hearkening to the counsel of sinners would... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:8-19

Heed instruction; avoid bad company (1:8-19)Having introduced his subject, the writer now gives the first of a series of lessons on the value of wisdom. Throughout these lessons he speaks as a father to a son, drawing from his own experience to give advice and warning (8-9).The first warning concerns bad companions, especially those who lead others astray with the tempting offer of instant wealth through robbery and violence (10-14). The writer hopes that the inexperienced youth, being... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 1:17

in vain, &c. = it avails not. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6 . The sight of the net does not deter the birds. They (emphatic) still go on to their capture and death. The next verse requires this sense. So men go on in their evil ways, though they know it is to their own ruin (Proverbs 1:18 ). read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 1:10-19

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:8-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:10-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:10-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:17

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 1:17

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:8-19

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 1:17

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