Proverbs 1:17 (BSB)

How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it!

From Proverbs 1. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 1:17

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on 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 (Pro 1:10): "My son, whom...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 1:17: Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. Or "without cause" (y), as the word is rendered in Pro 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...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 1:17: Men warned ought to escape danger as birds instinctively avoid visibly spread nets. But stupid sinners rush to their own ruin (Psa 9:16), and, greedy of gain, succeed in the very schemes which destroy them (Ti1 6:10), not only failing to catch others, but procuring their own destruction.
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 1:17: Pro 1:17 The second argument in support of the warning. For in vain is the net spread out In the eyes of all (the winged) birds. The interpretation conspersum est rete, namely, with corn as a bait, which was put into circulation by Rashi, is inadmissible; for as little as הזּה (Hiph. of נזה) can mean to strew, can זרה mean to spread.