Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit
Sinners and fools are arrogantly confident. In this proverb, by boasting of certain success, a band of cutthroats try to lure an innocent youth to join them. Such murderous thieves, who are lazy, who are bloated with ignorant pride and ambitions, are beyond help or even hope.
King Solomon began Proverbs by warning all young men and even his son against the dangers evil friends bring. What is this proverb you might ask? It is part of a parable about a gang of murdering marauders, who trying to entice a new member, optimistically described their plans. The parable was concluded by King Solomon by guaranteeing their ruin.
In this proverb the murderers speak. For the purpose of this warning, King Solomon exposed their true intents. They intend to find victims with assets while being full of violence and malice. The innocents will be easily killed by them and they will swallow them as thoroughly as the grave. There will be no opposition, the band united will kill quickly, and any incriminating evidence that exists will be destoyed. Success is most definitely certain!
The lying words and the confidence of these cutthroats are old. Sinners always think their crimes are without confidence and that they are easy. In their evil ambitions they are sure of success. Who falls for their plans and joins them? Foolish and naïve young men do! They fail to see the most certain destruction that is waiting for all such wicked rebels.
Judas thought that thirty pieces of silver for betraying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was an easy score. However the end result of this action was far different. He was mocked by his co-conspirators and he gave the money back. In his pride, he did not see Satan leaving his guilty bowels scattered in a field.
Dear reader, the way is hard of transgressors, but do not be fooled, the way of murder is harder! King Solomon wrote, “A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him” ( Proverbs 28:17 ). Gang members that practice violent, of all kinds, will be destroyed. Remember, the Bible warns that the candle of the wicked will be put out.
The lesson of this proverb is as follows:
Only a fool would believe them because they are ignorant liars! The desire to deceive other fools to join them, along with wicked pride, are the reasons for their arrogance. Your rejection and skepticism should apply to the following...
Let God be true, but every man a liar.
