Solomon
Proverbs 1:17ESV·traditional attribution

For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird,

Matthew Henry Presbyterian @wholebiblehenry

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...

Commenting on Proverbs 1:10-19

John Gill Reformed Baptist @doctorgill

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 @jfbcommentary

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.