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Jeremiah 4:22
For my peopleis foolish, they have not known me; theyare sottish children, and they have none understanding: theyare wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Isaiah 58:1
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Ezekiel 22:2-12
Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations…

lay wait.

Jeremiah 18:22
Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.

1 Samuel 19:10,11
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night…

Psalm 10:9,10
He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net…

catch.

Luke 5:10
And sowas also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

they watch like fowlers lying in wait;
The imagery of fowlers, or bird catchers, suggests cunning and deceit. In ancient times, fowlers used traps and snares to capture birds, requiring patience and stealth. This metaphor indicates that the wicked men are not only present but actively seeking to ensnare others through deceitful means. Biblically, this can be connected to the serpent's cunning inGenesis 3:1, where deception led to the fall of man. The New Testament warns believers to be wise and discerning, as false teachers and deceivers will attempt to lead them astray (Matthew 7:15,2 Peter 2:1).

they set a trap to catch men.
This phrase underscores the malicious intent of the wicked, who seek to exploit and harm others for personal gain. The act of setting traps is deliberate and premeditated, reflecting a deep moral corruption. In the broader biblical narrative, this can be seen as a reflection of Satan's work, who is described as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). The imagery of trapping men also parallels the Pharisees' attempts to ensnare Jesus with their questions (Matthew 22:15). In contrast, Jesus came to set captives free (Luke 4:18), offering a stark difference between the kingdom of God and the schemes of the wicked.

“ ‘For among My people are wicked men…’ ” (Jeremiah 5:26a)

• God speaks of “My people,” emphasizing covenant relationship; yet sin exists inside the community, not merely outside (see1 Peter 4:17;Acts 20:29–30).

• The word “wicked” points to moral corruption that is deliberate, echoingGenesis 6:5 where “every inclination” was evil.

• This is not a fringe problem; it’s embedded, similar to Jesus’ parable of tares among wheat (Matthew 13:24-30).

• The warning underscores personal responsibility: if evil resides “among” God’s people, every believer must stay watchful (1 Corinthians 10:12).

“ …they watch like fowlers lying in wait… ” (Jeremiah 5:26b)

• “Fowlers” were bird-catchers who studied prey patiently; the image portrays calculated deception, not impulsive wrongdoing (Psalm 10:8-9).

• Such vigilance resembles false prophets who “secretly introduce destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1), observing vulnerabilities before striking.

• In practical terms:

– They study believers’ habits and weaknesses.

– They blend in until the moment of advantage.

– Their goal is exploitation, not edification (Ezekiel 22:27).

• God exposes their hidden plots, reassuring the faithful that nothing escapes His notice (Hebrews 4:13).

“ …they set a trap to catch men.” (Jeremiah 5:26c)

• The trap targets “men,” illustrating that people—not birds—are the prey; souls are at stake (Luke 17:1-2).

• Tools of entrapment can include:

– False doctrine (Galatians 1:6-9).

– Exploitation of trust for financial gain (Micah 3:11;1 Timothy 6:5).

– Immoral influence that normalizes sin (Jude 4).

• The verse foreshadows Christ’s warning: “Beware of the scribes” who “devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:38-40).

• God later vows judgment: “I will bring disaster on this people” (Jeremiah 6:19), affirming that traps set for others will ultimately ensnare the wicked themselves (Proverbs 26:27).

Jeremiah 5:26 exposes an unsettling truth: evil can take root within God’s own community. The verse paints a three-fold picture—wicked men dwelling among the righteous, watching with predatory patience, and laying traps to capture unsuspecting souls. Cross-scriptural echoes confirm that such deception remains an ongoing threat, yet God’s revelation arms believers with awareness. By recognizing hidden sin, guarding doctrine, and relying on the Lord’s oversight, the faithful avoid the snares and stand firm in purity and truth.