Proverbs 1:17 (Mini Sermon)

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1.      Pro 1:17 – “Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.”

1. It would be an exercise in futility to spread a net in the presence of one’s prey.
   1. This is why these sinners lay wait and lurk privily so as not to be seen (Pro 1:11).
   2. Privily – 1. In a privy manner; not openly or publicly; secretly, privately; stealthily; craftily.

• 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).

1. The psalmist described such sinners in the tenth psalm (Psa 10:8-12).
2. These murderers surmise that they have their tracks covered, operating under a cloak of secrecy in their plans to ensnare the guiltless.
3. 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).
   1. The Lord will judge these vile men with one of His signature judgments: catching the wicked in their own net (Psa 9:15-16).
   2. 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).

• 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.

Vain –  II. 5. In the advb. phrase in vain, to no effect or purpose; ineffectually, uselessly, vainly.