Proverbs 6:5

5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Proverbs 6:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 6:5

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter]
As such a creature, which is very swift, when it is got into the hand of the hunter, will strive and struggle to get out; so should a man try all ways and means to get out of his suretyship engagements, especially when he finds himself liable to danger by it; this he should do "immediately" and "out of hand" ^F7, as the phrase here used sometimes signifies with the Jewish writers; and as a bird from the hand of the fowler;
another metaphor, signifying the same thing.

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FOOTNOTES:

F7 (dym) "statim", De Dieu; "subito", Noldius, p. 606. No. 1630. "ilico, repente", so some in Eliae Tishbi, p. 143.

Proverbs 6:5 In-Context

3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend.

4 Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids.

5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,

7 Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler,

Footnotes

• [a] That is, one who catches birds in a trap or snare