"For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird."
The Proverbs not only deserve our pondering, but they demand it. For the gems of these sayings are not scattered about the surface for anyone to pluck, but they are buried deep within for those who patiently seek them. The Proverbs are meant for us to understand "the words of the wise and their riddles." And to this task I now set my mind to think.
A father has been counseling his son (v8, 10, 15) to be aware of the schemes of the sinner. Their folly is plain to see, therefore do not "walk in the way with them" (v16). To illustrate this point he then says, "for in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird." No bird that has any sense will fall prey to a trap that is laid before him. Therefore, the father is pointing out the "net" that these sinners are laying and counseling his son not to walk into it. If the birds have enough sense not to ensnare themselves with such a trap, follow their example. STAY CLEAR OF THESE MEN!
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