Proverbs 22:5 kjv
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Proverbs 22:5 nkjv
Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.
Proverbs 22:5 niv
In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.
Proverbs 22:5 esv
Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
Proverbs 22:5 nlt
Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
whoever values life will avoid it.
Proverbs 22 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Thorns & Snares - Consequences for the Wicked/Foolish | ||
| Gen 3:18 | "Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee..." | Part of the curse, symbolic of difficulty. |
| Ps 11:6 | "Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone..." | Divine judgment on the wicked. |
| Ps 140:5 | "The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords..." | Wicked's attempts to trap the righteous. |
| Prov 1:18 | "...they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives." | Consequences of evil schemes for the plotter. |
| Prov 7:23 | "...as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life." | Ignorance leading to self-destruction. |
| Prov 12:13 | "The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips..." | Trapped by one's own sin. |
| Prov 29:6 | "In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare..." | Sin as an inescapable trap. |
| Jer 18:22 | "...for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet." | Plots of enemies, symbolizing entrapment. |
| The Way of the Froward/Perverse | ||
| Prov 2:15 | "Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths..." | Description of the corrupt path. |
| Prov 4:19 | "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble." | Lack of clear direction and danger. |
| Prov 4:24 | "Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee." | Warning against perverse communication. |
| Prov 10:32 | "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness." | Contrast of speech patterns. |
| Prov 11:3 | "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them." | Character leading to destiny. |
| Prov 17:20 | "He that hath a froward heart findeth no good..." | A perverse heart yields no positive outcome. |
| Keeping One's Soul/Heart/Way - Protection for the Wise | ||
| Prov 4:23 | "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." | The foundation of guarding one's whole being. |
| Prov 6:22 | "When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee." | Wisdom's protective guidance. |
| Prov 13:3 | "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life..." | Prudence in speech preserves life. |
| Prov 16:17 | "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul." | Active choice to avoid evil safeguards life. |
| Prov 19:16 | "He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul..." | Obedience to God's law protects the self. |
| Prov 21:23 | "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." | Self-control preventing affliction. |
| Ps 91:3 | "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." | Divine protection for the faithful. |
| Matt 16:25 | "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." | Spiritual guarding vs. worldly preservation. |
| 1 Pet 1:5 | "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation..." | Believers are guarded by God's power. |
| Jude 1:24 | "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling..." | God's ability to preserve His people. |
Proverbs 22 verses
Proverbs 22 5 Meaning
Proverbs 22:5 declares that those who pursue a morally corrupt and perverse path in life will inevitably encounter painful difficulties and entrapments, symbolized by thorns and snares. In stark contrast, individuals who diligently guard their inner being—their soul, mind, and character—by living wisely and righteously will successfully avoid these dangerous pitfalls and entanglements. It emphasizes the direct relationship between one's chosen moral course and the consequent experience of life, highlighting the safety found in spiritual vigilance.
Proverbs 22 5 Context
Proverbs 22:5 is situated within the "Words of the Wise" section (Proverbs 22:17 – 24:34), specifically following the collection often attributed to King Solomon. This section often offers practical instructions for a morally upright and prosperous life. The overarching theme of Proverbs is the promotion of wisdom (fear of the Lord) and the contrasting dangers of foolishness. The verse fits squarely within this didactic tradition, presenting a clear antithesis: the inevitable difficulties faced by the morally deviant versus the protective separation enjoyed by the spiritually diligent. The historical context reflects an ancient Near Eastern culture that valued order, practical insight, and ethical conduct as foundational for individual and societal well-being. Proverbs often speaks to an agricultural society, where images of "thorns" (obstacles in cultivated fields) and "snares" (hunting traps) were readily understood metaphors for life's perils. There's no direct polemic, but an implied contrast with any worldview that separates moral conduct from natural consequences, affirming that a lifestyle of integrity safeguards against life's intrinsic dangers.
Proverbs 22 5 Word analysis
- Thorns (קוֹצִים, qotzim):
- Significance: This Hebrew word denotes prickly plants or thorns. In biblical context, thorns are often associated with the curse of sin (Gen 3:18), painful obstacles, and difficulties in life. They represent the troublesome and irritating consequences of unrighteousness that cling to and impede progress.
- snares (פַּחִים, pachîm):
- Significance: Refers to nets or traps, often used by fowlers or hunters. In metaphor, snares signify hidden dangers, entanglements, and sudden destruction from which escape is difficult. They highlight the cunning and deceptive nature of the dangers associated with foolish living.
- in the way of:
- Significance: This phrase indicates the chosen course of life or one's path. It signifies that these difficulties and traps are encountered precisely because of the route the individual has chosen to take.
- the froward (עִקֵּשׁ, ʿiqqêš):
- Significance: Meaning twisted, crooked, perverse, deceitful. This describes one whose moral character and behavior are distorted and deviates from rectitude. Such an individual acts contrary to what is right and wise, often stubbornly clinging to wrong principles.
- he that doth keep his soul (שֹׁמֵר נַפְשֹׁו, shomer nafsho):
- Significance: Shomer means "guards, keeps, watches over." Nafsho (from nephesh) refers to one's soul, life, self, or inner being. It denotes careful and diligent self-preservation, watchfulness over one's moral and spiritual life, and maintaining integrity. This involves thoughtful conduct, obedience to divine wisdom, and avoidance of corrupt influences.
- shall be far from them:
- Significance: This is the consequence of guarding one's soul. It signifies that wisdom provides a protective distance or separation from the troubles and traps associated with a perverse lifestyle. It implies not just avoidance but also divine preservation and the natural beneficial outcomes of righteous choices.
- Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: This phrase powerfully uses agrarian and hunting imagery to depict the inescapable hardships and destructive entanglements awaiting those who walk in moral corruption. These are not arbitrary misfortunes but are a natural and just consequence of their twisted character and choices.
- he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them: This segment presents the stark contrast, offering hope and clarity. "Keeping one's soul" is an active, ongoing spiritual and moral vigilance. It's about self-discipline and living by God's principles. This active preservation of one's inner and outer life naturally distances the individual from the dangers that afflict the morally reckless. The wisdom tradition consistently teaches that diligence in righteousness yields peace and security.
Proverbs 22 5 Bonus section
The concept of "keeping one's soul" in Proverbs 22:5 extends beyond mere physical preservation; it encompasses the safeguarding of one's spiritual integrity and moral character. This includes exercising discernment, choosing righteous company, meditating on God's Word, and making deliberate decisions to shun evil. In the New Testament, this active "keeping" or "guarding" of oneself aligns with believers being called to "guard the good deposit entrusted to you" (2 Tim 1:14) and "keep yourselves in the love of God" (Jude 1:21), implying ongoing commitment and spiritual watchfulness against sin and temptation. The promise of being "far from them" speaks not only of avoiding physical harm but, more profoundly, of protection from spiritual decay and the ultimate destructive end that awaits the froward. It underscores God's commitment to protecting those who commit to His way.
Proverbs 22 5 Commentary
Proverbs 22:5 articulates a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: one's character and choices directly determine the course and quality of one's life. The "froward" or perverse individual, characterized by twisted morals and disobedient ways, walks a path riddled with self-inflicted pain and hidden dangers ("thorns and snares"). These are not arbitrary punishments, but the intrinsic outcomes of living contrary to God's order. Conversely, the one who actively "guards his soul"—exercising spiritual and moral diligence, watching over their thoughts, intentions, and actions according to divine wisdom—will enjoy a life significantly free from these painful consequences. This highlights both personal responsibility and the protective grace found in adhering to the ways of righteousness. It underscores that vigilance and discipline in one's spiritual and moral life are the surest defenses against life's most destructive pitfalls.