Proverbs 1:17 (Mini Sermon)
Submitted by Pastor Chad Wagner on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
17. Pro 1:17 - "Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird." A. It would be an exercise in futility to spread a net in the presence of one's prey. i. This is why these sinners lay wait and lurk privily so as not to be seen (Pro 1:11). ii. Privily adj. - 1. In a privy manner; not openly or publicly; secretly, privately; stealthily; craftily. iii. They think that their net will not be perceived by their victims, nor even by God himself, seeing that "there is no fear of God before their eyes" (Rom 3:18). B. The psalmist described such sinners in the tenth psalm (Psa 10:8-12). C. These murderers surmise that they have their tracks covered, operating under a cloak of secrecy in their plans to ensnare the guiltless. D. But they fail to realize that there is a "bird" who watched them spread their net, and He will deliver them (Psa 91:3-4). i. The Lord will judge these vile men with one of His signature judgments: catching the wicked in their own net (Psa 9:15-16). ii. The diabolical plans of evil men may go unnoticed by the sheep, but the Good Shepherd always has His watchful eye on His flock (2Ch 16:9). iii. Since "the eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Pro 15:3), any net set for the righteous is indeed spread in vain. iv. Vain - II. 5. In the advb. phrase in vain, to no effect or purpose; ineffectually, uselessly, vainly.
