He lies in ambush in secret like a lion in his den. He lies in ambush to seize the poor, and he seizes him by drawing him into his net.
The wicked is again portrayed with the images of a predatory lion and a hunter. He waits not for a fair encounter, but for a surprise attack. The poor person is not a human being to him, but prey to be exploited. The net shows a planned deception, into which the victim can fall without seeing the danger at first. This word speaks not only about open violence, but also about economic, social, or personal fraud. All the more, the believer is called to recognize such methods and not to use the weakness of others for personal gain. God sees the poor as a person created in His image, not as a tool. The verse also teaches caution: evil sometimes appears in a friendly or useful form. Therefore one must pray for wisdom and remain in the truth. The Lord can break hidden nets and set free those caught in them.