משלי, פרק כ״ו, פסוק י״ח

A person who spreads ruin and destruction often masks their true intentions behind a carefully crafted disguise. This deception can take several forms. They might feign exhaustion and weariness [רש״י, מצודת ציון], acting casually to hide their true motives [אלשיך] or working tirelessly at their deceptive act [מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, they might pretend to have lost their mind [אבן עזרא], or act as though they are merely joking and playing around for amusement [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם].

Under this cover, the individual begins by throwing seemingly minor hazards [מצודת ציון]. The primary approach among commentators is that these hazards are sparks of fire, though another perspective suggests they are stones cast from a sling [רש״י]. Regardless of the exact object, this initial action is not the end of the story, but rather a stepping stone to launching deadly arrows and fatal weapons [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This progression from throwing sparks to shooting deadly arrows is a highly calculated process. One approach views this as a gradual escalation of harm. The attacker starts by shooting fire sparks that only damage clothing, moves on to arrows that wound the physical body, and ultimately fires poisoned arrows that bring complete ruin [מלבי״ם]. Another perspective understands the initial throwing of sparks as a form of practice and camouflage. The person expends energy throwing sparks that simply burn out harmlessly in the air [מצודת דוד]. While this early behavior appears free of consequence, its true purpose is to train the attacker's hand for the real strike. It exposes the deep evil hidden within their heart [אלשיך], and as soon as the perfect opportunity and location arise, they deliver a fatal blow [רלב״ג].