Proverbs 29:5

5 He that prepares a net in the way of his own friend, entangles his own feet in it.

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 When a man loves wisdom, his father rejoices: but he that keeps harlots will waste wealth.

4 A righteous king establishes a country: but a transgressor destroys .

5 He that prepares a net in the way of his own friend, entangles his own feet in it.

6 A great snare for a sinner: but the righteous shall be in joy and gladness.

7 A righteous man knows how to judge for the poor: but the ungodly understands not knowledge; and the poor man has not an understanding mind.