Proverbs 1:18

18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves;^[a] they attack their own lives.

Proverbs 1:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 1:18

And they lay wait for their [own] blood
While they lie in wait for the blood of others, they lie in wait for their own; and when they shed the blood of innocent persons, it in the issue comes upon their own heads, and is the cause of their own blood being shed; vengeance pursues them, and justice will not suffer them to live; they lurk privily for their [own] lives:
while they are lurking in secret places to take away, the lives of others, they are laying snares for their own souls; and the consequence of it will be, that they will be brought to a shameful and untimely end here, or, however, to everlasting ruin and destruction hereafter.

Proverbs 1:18 In-Context

16 because their feet run toward trouble and they hurry to commit murder.

17 It is foolish to spread a net where any bird can see it,

18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves; they attack their own lives.

19 Such are the paths of all who pursue gain dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who profit from it.

20 Wisdom calls out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit they ambush for their blood