What does Habakkuk 1:16 mean?

Habakkuk 1:16 highlights themes such as idolatry, materialism, false security when read in context.

How should I apply Habakkuk 1:16 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous.

14And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?

15They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.

16Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous.

17Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?

idolatrymaterialismfalse security

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven, contrasting with earthly materialism.
1 Timothy 6:9
Paul warns against the dangers of desiring wealth, similar to the Chaldeans' focus.
James 5:1-3
James addresses the folly of hoarding wealth, echoing the themes in Habakkuk.