This is part of a longer message from father to son (:10-19). Our verses are the continuation of an invitation from some nasty guys (:10).
They’re encouraging others to join them in hurting innocent people (:11-12). Sadly, it sounds as if they even enjoy doing so.
But our verses also suggest they are interested in robbing their victims. “All sorts of valuable things,” “fill our houses with plunder” and talk of sharing “the loot” indicates they are after other people’s stuff. Obviously they are willing to do some terrible things to get it.
We all know that people can be like this. While they don’t always leave their victims dead, or even bleeding, they do deliberately go after other’s things for themselves.
This extended poetic father-to-son wise saying is the old guy’s warning to his son to not get involved in these enterprises. It includes his explanation of the consequences of doing so (:15-19).
The good news about these verses is that sons don’t have to get involved in this behavior. But even better news – especially around here at HUM – those evil guys who have lived like this don’t have to do it anymore!
Many of the men at HUM, in their addiction, lived this lifestyle – and suffered, themselves, the consequences mentioned in this extended poem (:10-19). They knew this wasn’t right and they wanted to be different.
Our guys have begun the process of change. I’m happy to report – its working!