Solomon in Battle

[11] (Proverbs 1:17): "Indeed, in vain is the net spread" - against whom did Solomon say this verse? Against the evil eye. Rabbi Joshua ben Levi said: Even birds and fish recognize the evil eye, and they do not enter into their trap, therefore it is said "in the eyes of every winged creature." (Proverbs 1:18): "And they lie in wait for their own blood" - these are the evil eyes. "They ambush their own souls" - these are the slanderers. Who caused them this? They caused it to themselves, and not only to their souls did they cause, but to all that they have, as it is said: (Proverbs 1:19): "So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain, it takes the life of its owner." Alternatively, "So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain" - a parable to a man who took a hook and threw it into the sea, and saw a great fish, thought it was nothing, swallowed it and was caught. If it had sensed it, would it have lost its life at all?! Therefore it is said "it takes the life of its owner", so everyone who takes a bribe has nothing in his hand, loses the money, and in the end, he loses his soul. Rabbi Yochanan said: Anyone who steals from his friend even the value of a small coin, the Scripture considers it as if he takes his soul from him, as it is said "So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain, it takes the life of its owner."