Proverbs 29:5

A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. A MAN THAT FLATTERETH HIS NEIGHBOUR SPREADETH A NET FOR HIS FEET - (Prov. 36:24-25; 28:23 .) So far from acting the part of a friend, he acts that of the great enemy, who lays snares to destroy men (; Acts 24:2, Tertullus). Even the godly are tempted aside by flattery. Darius' flatterers ensnared him into a plot for the ruin of his godly favourite, Daniel (Daniel 6:6; ; )....

Verse Proverbs 29:5. _SPREADETH A NET FOR HIS FEET._] Beware of a flatterer; he does not flatter merely to please you, but to _deceive you_ and _profit himself_....

EXPOSITION This chapter reinforces many precept given previously. PROVERBS 29:1 HE THAT BEING OFTEN REPROVED HARDENETH HIS NECK; literally, _a man of reproofs—_one_ _who has had a long experience of rebukes and warnings. Compare "a man of sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3). The hardening of the neck is a metaphor derived from obstinate draught animals who will not submit to the yoke (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 27:8). Christ calls his yoke easy, and bids his followers

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....

CHAPTER 29 THE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS These final instructions given in proverbs cover the similar ground as those in the previous Chapter s. Wisdom shines out in each, and the contents of every proverb shows that the author is not Solomon but He who is perfect in knowledge. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Scripture abounds with examples of cases of hardening the neck and the heart, like Pharaoh, Ahab and others. This proverb will be finally proven to be the truth when an ungodly age will end with judgment for those who were often reproved and continue in sin. Once more the sin of flattery is mentioned. “A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet” Proverbs 29:5. Flattery is akin to lying and can never be right, but is always a mistake, which results in the gravest consequences. More servants

PROVERBS 29:2. _cf._ Proverbs 11:10 f., Proverbs 28:12. Proverbs 29:4. he that exacteth gifts: lit. a man of presents. Proverbs 29:9 b. Who is the subject? If it is the wise man, the meaning is that however he treats his opponent, seriously or lightly, he cannot end the matter. If it is the fool, the thought will be that he shows no decorum of manner. The proverb seems directed against a wise man's going to law with a fool....

MAN. Hebrew. _geber._ App-14. SPREADETH. NET, &C. Illustrations: woman of Tekoah (2 Samuel 14:3; 2 Samuel 14:19; 2 Samuel 14:20; 2 Samuel 14:28; 2 Samuel 14:29); spies (Luke 20:21). FEET. footsteps....

SPREADETH A NET FOR HIS FEET— Some render this _for his own feet,_ applying it to the flatterer; and so the next verse is understood, which Houbigant translates thus: _The wicked man falls himself into the snares which he lays for others; the just man shall deliver himself, and rejoice._...

CHAPTER 29 TEXT Proverbs 29:1-9 1. He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2. When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh. 3. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance. 4. The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it. 5. A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps. 6. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; But the righteous doth sing and rejoice. 7. The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know it. 8. Scoffers set a city in a flame;

29:5 man (c-2) _ Geber_ . so ch. 30.1,19. see Job 3:3 ....