Daily Bible Verse - 2/12/2008 - Proverbs 5:21-22

For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He watches all his paths. His own iniquities will capture the wicked, And he will be held with the cords of his sin.

Proverbs 5:21-22

Commentary
God ponders all the paths (lit. "habits") of the wicked. The course of life chosen by the wicked entraps in ignorance and sin and leads to death. Judgment is of the Lord. People may talk about being "free" to do whatever they feel like doing, but in reality sin takes away all freedom.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Pr 5:21). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The Lord sees all that man does and in mercy withholds immediate judgment, allowing the sinner time to repent or to be caught in his own sin (cf. Num. 32:23; Pss. 7:15, 16; 57:6; Prov. 1:17; Gal. 6:7, 8). Note the example of Haman (Esth. 5:9-14; 7:1-10).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Pr 5:21). Nashville: Word Pub.