But they lie in wait for their own blood;This phrase highlights the self-destructive nature of sinful behavior. In the context of Proverbs, it serves as a warning against joining with those who plot evil. The imagery of "lying in wait" suggests premeditated actions, akin to a hunter setting a trap. Biblically, this can be connected to the story of Haman in the Book of Esther, who plotted against the Jews but ultimately faced his own demise. The phrase underscores the principle of sowing and reaping found throughout Scripture, such as in
Galatians 6:7, which states that a man reaps what he sows. Theologically, it reflects the idea that sin ultimately leads to death, as seen in
Romans 6:23.
they ambush their own lives.
This part of the verse emphasizes the irony and futility of wicked schemes. The word "ambush" suggests a sudden and unexpected attack, which in this context is turned against the perpetrators themselves. Historically, ambushes were a common military tactic in ancient times, often leading to decisive victories or defeats. Culturally, the wisdom literature of the Bible frequently uses such vivid imagery to convey moral lessons. This phrase can be linked to the concept of divine justice, where God allows the wicked to fall into their own traps, as seen inPsalm 7:15-16. It also points to the ultimate judgment and accountability before God, reminding believers of the importance of living righteously.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The WickedThis verse refers to those who engage in sinful and violent behavior, plotting harm against others. In the context of
Proverbs 1, these individuals are depicted as those who entice others to join them in their evil schemes.
2.
SolomonThe author of Proverbs, traditionally believed to be King Solomon, who imparts wisdom and warnings against following the path of the wicked.
3.
The SimpleIn the broader context of
Proverbs 1, the "simple" are those who lack wisdom and discernment, making them susceptible to the influence of the wicked.
4.
WisdomPersonified throughout Proverbs, wisdom is portrayed as calling out to the simple and the foolish, urging them to turn away from evil and embrace understanding.
5.
The Path of RighteousnessWhile not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of Proverbs contrasts the way of the wicked with the path of righteousness, which leads to life and peace.
Teaching Points
The Deceptive Nature of SinSin often appears enticing and promises gain, but it ultimately leads to self-destruction. This verse serves as a stark reminder that those who plot evil are setting a trap for themselves.
The Importance of DiscernmentBelievers are called to exercise discernment and avoid the influence of those who engage in wickedness. Understanding the consequences of sin helps us make wise choices.
The Consequences of Evil ActionsThis verse highlights the inevitable consequences of evil actions. It serves as a warning that those who pursue wickedness will ultimately harm themselves.
The Call to WisdomProverbs consistently calls us to seek wisdom and understanding. By heeding this call, we can avoid the pitfalls of sin and walk in the path of righteousness.
The Role of CommunitySurrounding ourselves with godly influences and accountability can help us resist the temptation to join in sinful schemes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:18?
2.How does Proverbs 1:18 warn against the consequences of sinful actions?
3.What does "ambush their own lives" teach about self-destructive behavior?
4.How can Proverbs 1:18 guide us in choosing our companions wisely?
5.What other scriptures warn against the dangers of greed and violence?
6.How can we apply the lessons of Proverbs 1:18 in daily decision-making?
7.What does Proverbs 1:18 reveal about human nature and sin?
8.How does Proverbs 1:18 relate to the concept of free will?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 1:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.What is the Bible's perspective on gangs?
12.How can one persistently strive to achieve their goals?
13.What is the Bible's perspective on gangs?
14.How do we reconcile Proverbs 4:18, claiming the righteous path grows ever brighter, with real-world moral ambiguity and suffering?What Does Proverbs 1:18 Mean
But they lie in wait• Picture the gang of v. 11–12 setting a trap in the dark. They think they’re clever, but Scripture shows the blindness of sin: “The wicked man conceals violence under his tongue” (Job 20:12).
• God sees every plot (Psalm 94:9–11) and warns that hidden snares always turn back on the setter (Psalm 7:14–16;Proverbs 26:27).
• Lying in wait is rebellion against the clear call of v. 10, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield.” Ignoring that voice marks the first step toward ruin (James 1:14–15).
for their own blood• The phrase exposes the irony: the hunters become the hunted. By aiming to shed “innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:17), they guarantee the spilling of their own (Matthew 26:52).
• God’s moral order is unbreakable: “Whatever a man sows, he will reap” (Galatians 6:7–8). Violence planted produces a harvest of violence (Genesis 9:6).
• Even if civil justice seems delayed, divine justice is exact. “The violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good… he will fall into his own pit” (Proverbs 16:29; 28:10).
they ambush their own lives• The word picture shifts from blood to life itself. Sin is never victimless; the ultimate victim is the sinner (Proverbs 8:36).
• Ambushing oneself includes:
– Spiritual death: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
– Emotional bondage: “The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sin hold them fast” (Proverbs 5:22).
– Eternal loss: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26, context).
• God’s wisdom says the safest life is found in fearing Him (Proverbs 1:7; 14:27). Rejecting that wisdom is self-sabotage.
summaryThe verse flips the criminal’s plan on its head: those who hunt others are really hunting themselves. Sin always circles back. Aligning with God’s wisdom is not merely moral; it is the way to preserve your own life.
(18)
And they lay wait.--Yet they cannot see that in truth they are laying wait, not for the innocent, but for themselves, as God will deliver him, and bring the mischief they designed for him upon their own head.
Verse 18. -
And they lay wait for their own blood, etc. The
third reason or argument why the teacher's warning should be followed, drawn from the
destruction which overtakes the sinners themselves. "Lay wait," and "lurk privily," as in ver. 11, from which this verse is evidently borrowed. They propose, as they say, to lay wait for the blood of others; but it is, says the teacher, for their own blood.
לְדָמָם (
l'dhammam),
contra sanguinem suum; they lurk privily. as they say, for the innocent, but in reality it is for their own lives;
לְנַפְשֹׁתָם (
l'naph'shotham);
contra animus suas (Vulgate); or, as the LXX. puts it,
Αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἱ φόνονμετέχοντες θησαυρίζουσιν ἑαυτοῖς κατὰ, "For they who take part in murder treasure up evils for themselves;" that is, they am bringing a heavier and surer destruction upon themselves than they can ever inflict upon others (Wardlaw). The LXX. adds, at the close of the verse,
Ἡ δὲ καταστροφὴἀνδρῶν παρανόμων κακή, "And the overthrowing or destruction of transgressors is wrest, or evil." The Arabic Version has a similar addition.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But theyוְ֭הֵם(wə·hêm)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992:Theylie in waitיֶאֱרֹ֑בוּ(ye·’ĕ·rō·ḇū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 693:To lie in waitfor their [own] blood;לְדָמָ֣ם(lə·ḏā·mām)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshedthey ambushיִ֝צְפְּנ֗וּ(yiṣ·pə·nū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6845:To hide, to hoard, reserve, to deny, to protect, to lurktheir [own] lives.לְנַפְשֹׁתָֽם׃(lə·nap̄·šō·ṯām)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:18 But these lay wait for their own (Prov. Pro Pr) 
