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He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
Verse Takeaways
1
The Principle of Caution
All commentators agree that this verse uses proverbial images—digging a pit or breaking a wall—to teach a universal lesson about caution. Any action we take, especially a risky one, can have unforeseen and dangerous consequences. Scholars explain that just as a hidden serpent might bite someone tearing down a wall, our plans can lead to unexpected harm if we are not wise and careful.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Ecclesiastes
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4
18th Century
Presbyterian
The figures seem to be taken from the work of building up and pulling down houses. In their general application, they recommend anyone who would ac…
19th Century
Anglican
Commentators cannot be said to have been very successful in their attempts to trace a connection between the proverbs of this chapter. Perhaps noth…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
He who digs a pit shall fall into it This and the three following clauses are proverbial expressions, teaching men t…
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