Proverbs 29:5

5 Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.

Proverbs 29:5 in Other Translations

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

5 To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.

5 A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he's probably planning to take advantage of you.

5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

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 brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

5 Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.

6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

Cross References

• 1. S Job 32:21; S Proverbs 26:28