משלי, פרק כ״ט, פסוק ה׳

Relationships built on flattery and hidden truths carry a destructive danger for everyone involved. Smooth, deceptive behavior and the avoidance of honest criticism quickly turn into a literal trap. The primary approach among commentators is that this deception takes the form of smooth talk and flattery designed to mislead a friend [רש"י, אבן עזרא, אלשיך, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, it can be understood as a physical act of sabotage, where a person intentionally makes a path slippery to cause their companion to stumble [רלב"ג, מצודת דוד]. In either case, the false sense of security created by the deceiver ultimately leads to a downfall.

A fascinating question arises regarding whose feet actually get caught in the resulting snare. Many commentators argue that the deceiver ultimately traps himself [רלב"ג, אלשיך, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. A person may believe they are cleverly misleading their friend, but the severe wrong of their actions inevitably backfires. They end up falling into the very disaster they orchestrated for another.

On the other hand, some explain that the trap catches the friend [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This perspective highlights how flattery prevents personal growth and correction. When a person withholds honest criticism and instead offers only smooth, agreeable words, they cause their friend to continue in foolishness. While a truthful warning could have saved the friend, the lack of it ensures their failure [עמנואל הרומי].

Adding another layer to this idea, a unique interpretation suggests that the deceiver specifically smooths over and justifies the friend's actual wrongdoings [מלבי"ם]. By telling a companion that their bad behavior is perfectly acceptable and not a sin, the flatterer sets a dangerous snare. They encourage the friend to continue acting poorly until they are eventually caught and punished. This is compared to a hunter who deliberately smooths out a forest trail, ensuring an animal walks forward with complete confidence straight into a hidden trap.