Proverbs 29:5

5 A man who ¹flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.

Proverbs 29:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 29:5

A man that flattereth his neighbour
That speaks smooth things to him gives him flattering titles, speaks fair to his face, highly commends him on one account or another: spreadeth a net for his feet;
has an idle design upon him, and therefore should be guarded against; his view is to draw him into a snare and make a prey of him; he attacks him on his weak side, and hopes to make some advantage of it to himself; wherefore flatterers should be avoided as pernicious persons; or he spreads a net for his own feet, and is taken in the snare which he had laid for his neighbour; or falls into the pit he dug for him, as Gersom observes; see ( Psalms 140:5 ) ( Hosea 5:1 ) .

Proverbs 29:5 In-Context

3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.

4 The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.

5 A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.

6 By transgression an evil man is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.

7 The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 5:9