to spread the net
The imagery of "to spread the net" is rich with meaning, drawing from ancient practices of hunting and trapping. In biblical times, nets were commonly used to catch birds and fish, symbolizing the act of laying traps or devising plans. The Hebrew word "פָּרַשׂ" (paras) means to spread or stretch out, indicating a deliberate action. This metaphor serves as a warning against deceitful or malicious intentions, suggesting that such efforts are ultimately self-defeating when they are transparent and easily detected.

where any bird can see it
The phrase "where any bird can see it" emphasizes the visibility and obviousness of the trap. In Hebrew, "עֵינֵי כָּל־בַּעַל כָּנָף" (eynei kol-ba'al kanaph) literally means "in the sight of every winged creature." This suggests that the intended target is aware of the danger, rendering the trap ineffective. The use of "bird" or "winged creature" symbolizes those who are perceptive and alert. In a broader spiritual context, this serves as a reminder that those who are wise and discerning can see through deceit and avoid falling into traps set by the wicked.

(1) I.e. to no purpose, gratis, frustra (Vulgate, Chaldee Paraphrase, Arabic). The meaning of the proverb here used then is, "to no purpose is the net spread before birds," i.e. though they see the net spread before them, they nevertheless fly into it (romp. Proverbs 7:23, "As a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life"). So sinners, when they are plotting for others, plunge into their own destruction with their eyes open. Therefore do not associate with them, do not imitate their crass folly, be warned by their example, or you will share their fate. This view is supported by the LXX. reading, Οὐ γὰρ ἀδίκως ἐκτείνεται δίκτυα πτερωτοῖς, "For not unreasonably is the net spread before birds;" i.e. they fall into the snare (see Luther, Patrick, Umbreit, Ewatd, Hitzig, Zockler, Plumptre).

(2) Others, as Delitzsch, Ziegler, Beda, Doderlein, Bertheau, Wardlaw, take khinnam in a different sense, as indicating the escape of the birds - the birds see the snare and fly away, and so in vain the net is spread in their sight. This explanation is in agreement with Ovid's statement, "Quae nimis apparent retia vitat avis." The moral motive put before youth in this case is the aggravation of his guilt if he listens to the enticements of sinners. The teacher seems to say, "Imitate the birds, flee from temptation; if you listen to sinners, you will sin with your eyes open." Is spread; מְזֹרָה (m zorah), expansum, not conspersum est, i.e. besprinkled or strewn with corn as a bait, as Rashi. M'zorah is the participle passive of pual, זֹרָה (zorah), "to be strewn," from kal זָרָה (zarah). "to scatter, or disperse" (Gesenius), and means expansum, because when a net is scattered or dispersed it is spread out (see Delitzsch). Of any bird (כָּל־בַּעַל כָּנָפ khal-baal khanaph); literally, of every possessor of a wing, or, as margin, of everthing that hath a wing, i.e. of every bird. Compare the same expression in Ecclesiastes 10:20, בַּעַל חַכְּנָפַיִם (baal hach naphayim); i.e. "that which hath wings" (Authorized Version).

Parallel Commentaries ...