Proverbs 27:8

8 As when a bird flies down from its own nest, so a man is brought into bondage whenever he estranges himself from his own place.

Proverbs 27:8 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 27:8

As a bird that wandereth from her nest
To seek for food for herself and her young; or that leaves it without returning to it, and so her eggs or her young are exposed, and she herself liable to fall into the hands of birds of prey, or of the fowler, when she would be safe in her nest; as there was a law in Israel in her favour, ( Deuteronomy 22:6 ) ; or as one that is forced out and obliged to wander from place to place, ( Isaiah 16:2 ) ;

so [is] a man that wandereth from his place;
who, in time of famine and distress, goes into other parts for bread, as Jacob's sons went down into Egypt; and such are they in a spiritual sense who leave all, and follow Christ for food for their souls; or who are forced to flee from place to place, and wander about in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth, because of the persecution of their enemies; or rather it is to be taken in an ill sense and applied to such who abide not in the calling whereunto they are called; dislike, and are unsatisfied with, their present business of life, and seek new employments, which oftentimes is to the hurt and detriment of themselves and families; and also to such who wander from the way of spiritual understanding, from the place of divine worship, from the word, ordinances, and commandments of the Lord; see ( Proverbs 21:16 ) .

Proverbs 27:8 In-Context

6 The wounds of a friend are more to be trusted than the spontaneous kisses of an enemy.

7 A full soul scorns honeycombs; but to a hungry soul even bitter things appear sweet.

8 As when a bird flies down from its own nest, so a man is brought into bondage whenever he estranges himself from his own place.

9 The heart delights in ointments and wines and perfumes: but the soul is broken by calamities.

10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; and when thou art in distress go not into thy brother's house: better is a friend near than a brother living far off.