Proverbs 22:24

KJV

¶ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

KJV (with Strong's)

Make no friendship {H7462} with an angry {H639} man {H1167}; and with a furious {H2534} man {H376} thou shalt not go {H935}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't associate with an angry man; make no hot-tempered man your companion.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,

American Standard Version

Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger; And with a wrathful man thou shalt not go:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:24 offers profound wisdom regarding the critical importance of discernment in our relationships, strongly cautioning against forming close associations with individuals characterized by uncontrolled anger and volatile tempers. This proverb serves as a protective injunction, advising against deep entanglement with those whose habitual rage could corrupt one's character, disrupt one's peace, and lead one into strife and destructive patterns. It underscores the pervasive influence of companionship on one's spiritual and practical well-being, advocating for intentional choices that foster wisdom and tranquility over conflict and folly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22:24 is situated within the section commonly known as "The Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a collection of practical instructions and moral exhortations intended to guide individuals in living a righteous and flourishing life. This particular verse follows a series of admonitions concerning integrity, justice, and the dangers of oppression, and it immediately precedes a warning about learning the ways of an angry person (Proverbs 22:25). The broader context of Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the profound impact of one's associations, as seen in the contrast between the wise and the foolish, and the imperative to choose companions who will build up rather than tear down. The wisdom tradition consistently teaches that character is not merely internal but is shaped and revealed through one's relationships and daily interactions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, relationships and community ties were paramount. A person's reputation, security, and even economic well-being were often tied to their social network. Wisdom literature, like Proverbs, frequently addressed practical living in a communal setting. Uncontrolled anger (often leading to violence, feuds, or rash decisions) was highly disruptive to social harmony and personal safety. The "angry man" would have been seen as a source of instability, capable of drawing others into disputes, legal troubles, or physical danger. Therefore, the counsel to avoid such individuals was not merely about personal preference but about safeguarding one's life, livelihood, and standing within the community. The emphasis on "going with" or "making friendship with" implies a deep, enduring association, not just casual acquaintance, highlighting the gravity of the warning.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Discernment in Relationships**, a recurring motif throughout the wisdom literature that stresses the necessity of carefully choosing one's friends and associates. The book repeatedly warns that "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - The Influence of Companions"). Secondly, it highlights the **Contagion of Character**, illustrating how the habits and dispositions of those we spend time with can be easily adopted, for better or worse. The very next verse, [Proverbs 22:25](/proverbs/22-25 "Proverbs 22:25 - The Danger of Imitation"), explicitly warns against learning the ways of the angry man. Thirdly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Preserving Peace and Avoiding Strife**, a central aim of wisdom. Associating with the volatile inevitably leads to contention and disrupts the tranquility that wisdom seeks to cultivate in one's life, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 15:18](/proverbs/15-18 "Proverbs 15:18 - The Calming Effect of Patience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **friendship (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to tend a flock," this word extends to "to associate with (as a friend)" or "to make friendship with." It implies a deep, intentional, and sustained companionship, not merely a fleeting acquaintance. The prohibition is against forming a close, influential bond that would lead to shared life and mutual influence.
* **angry (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** Literally meaning "nose" or "nostril," this term is an idiom for "anger" or "ire," stemming from the physical manifestation of rapid breathing and flaring nostrils during intense passion. When combined with "man" (H1167, _baʻal_ - "master"), "an angry man" (literally "master of nose/anger") denotes someone habitually controlled by or prone to outbursts of wrath, a person whose defining characteristic is their quick temper.
* **furious (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** This word signifies "heat," "anger," "rage," or "wrath." It describes a more intense, burning, or even violent form of anger, often associated with indignation or poison. When linked with "man" (H376, _ʼîysh_ - "a man as an individual"), "a furious man" (literally "man of hot anger") refers to an individual whose anger is not just a passing emotion but a consuming, destructive force that defines their character and actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Make no friendship with an angry man;":** This initial clause issues a direct prohibition against forming a close, enduring relationship with someone who is habitually characterized by anger. The term "friendship" implies a level of intimacy and shared life where mutual influence is inevitable. The "angry man" is not someone who occasionally gets angry, but whose temperament is defined by a quick, uncontrolled temper, making them a "master of anger." The wisdom here is a protective measure, advising against entanglement with a volatile and potentially destructive personality.
* **"and with a furious man thou shalt not go:":** This second clause reinforces and intensifies the first. "Furious" describes an even more intense, burning rage. "Thou shalt not go" (Hebrew, _lo' bôw'_) means more than just not walking alongside; it signifies not entering into a deep, sustained association, partnership, or journey with such a person. It implies avoiding any path or venture that would deeply entangle one's life with theirs, recognizing that their destructive "ways" (as Proverbs 22:25 will state) are contagious and perilous.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:24 effectively employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a common feature in Hebrew poetry, where the second line reiterates and often intensifies the thought of the first. "Make no friendship with an angry man" is paralleled by "with a furious man thou shalt not go," with "furious" being a stronger expression of anger than "angry," and "not go" implying a deeper level of disassociation than simply not making "friendship." This repetition serves to emphasize the critical nature of the warning. The verse also uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in the Hebrew term for "angry man" (_baʻal ʼaph_), where "nose/nostril" (_ʼaph_) stands in for the emotion of anger itself, vividly depicting the physical manifestation of rage. This idiomatic expression paints a clear picture of the type of person being warned against.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on the nature of wisdom as practical righteousness, particularly concerning the cultivation of peace and the avoidance of strife. God Himself is described as "slow to anger" [Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - God's Compassion and Patience"), setting a divine standard for character that believers are called to emulate. The wisdom here is not merely pragmatic advice for social harmony but a theological injunction rooted in the understanding that our character reflects our relationship with a God of peace. Associating with those dominated by wrath can lead us away from God's character and into patterns of sin, as anger often gives way to malice, bitterness, and violence.

* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - The Influence of Companions") - "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
* [Proverbs 22:25](/proverbs/22-25 "Proverbs 22:25 - The Consequence of Association") - "Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul."
* [Ephesians 4:31](/ephesians/4-31 "Ephesians 4:31 - Putting Away Bitterness and Anger") - "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 22:24 provides timeless counsel for navigating the complexities of human relationships, urging us to be intentional and discerning about who we allow into our inner circle. In a world often characterized by quick tempers and volatile reactions, this proverb calls us to protect our peace, integrity, and spiritual well-being by setting healthy boundaries. It's not about isolating ourselves from all difficult people, but about recognizing the profound, often subtle, influence that close companionship exerts on our character. When we consistently expose ourselves to uncontrolled anger, we risk internalizing those patterns, becoming desensitized to their destructiveness, or even being drawn into their conflicts. True wisdom involves cultivating a peaceful spirit and seeking out relationships that foster godliness, patience, and self-control, thereby safeguarding our souls from unnecessary strife and spiritual compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What kind of influence do my closest relationships have on my emotional and spiritual state?**
* **Am I able to discern between someone who is merely having a bad day and someone whose character is habitually defined by uncontrolled anger?**
* **How can I set healthy, loving boundaries with individuals prone to anger, without isolating myself or neglecting a call to compassion?**
* **In what ways might I unknowingly be adopting the "ways" of those whose anger I frequently encounter?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb mean I should never help or evangelize an angry person?**

Answer: Not at all. The proverb's injunction is against forming a *friendship* or *going with* a habitually angry or furious person, which implies a deep, influential, and sustained association. It's a warning about the *contagion of character* and the danger of adopting their destructive patterns [Proverbs 22:25](/proverbs/22-25 "Proverbs 22:25 - The Danger of Learning Their Ways"). It does not prohibit acts of compassion, evangelism, or necessary interaction in professional or familial contexts. We are called to love our neighbors and share the Gospel, which often involves engaging with difficult people. The key is discernment: engaging with a purpose (like evangelism or ministry) while maintaining spiritual vigilance and healthy boundaries, rather than entering into a relationship where their anger becomes a dominant influence on your life or character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 22:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns us away from the angry man, Christ himself is the perfect example of one who is "gentle and lowly in heart" [Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Invitation and Character"), never driven by uncontrolled wrath, but always by divine love and righteous indignation. He perfectly models the self-control that the proverb implicitly encourages us to cultivate and seek in others. Moreover, Christ's work on the cross breaks the power of sin, which is the root cause of destructive anger in human hearts. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to put off "anger, wrath, malice" [Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3-8 "Colossians 3:8 - Putting Off the Old Self") and to bear the fruit of "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"). Therefore, while we are warned against associating with those consumed by anger, Christ offers the transformation that can free individuals from such a destructive temperament, enabling them to become companions who build up rather than tear down, reflecting the peace of God in their lives. His life and teachings provide the ultimate blueprint for the wise and righteous relationships that Proverbs advocates.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 29:22

¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Proverbs 21:24

¶ Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,