Proverbs 22:24

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 22:24 offers timeless wisdom regarding the company we keep, specifically warning against close association with individuals prone to uncontrolled anger.

Context

This verse is part of the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a collection of practical instructions for living a righteous and successful life. The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the profound impact of one's companions on character, destiny, and well-being. Here, the focus is on avoiding the negative influence and potential harm that comes from associating with those whose temperament is volatile and aggressive.

Key Themes

  • Discernment in Relationships: The passage strongly advises careful selection of friends and associates. It highlights that our character and peace are significantly shaped by those we spend time with.
  • Avoiding Negative Influence: By warning against befriending an "angry man" or "furious man," the verse underscores the risk of adopting their destructive habits or being drawn into their conflicts. As Proverbs 13:20 states, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
  • Protection from Strife: Associating with easily angered individuals inevitably leads to increased strife, contention, and potential danger. The wisdom here is a protective measure for one's own peace and reputation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used for "angry man" (ba'al aph, literally "master of nose/anger") and "furious man" (ish chemah, "man of hot anger" or "man of wrath") convey a person habitually given to intense, uncontrolled rage. The "nose" in Hebrew idiom is often associated with anger, as nostrils flare during intense emotion. The instruction "thou shalt not go" (lo' bo') implies more than just not walking alongside them; it means not entering into a close, enduring relationship or partnership that would deeply entangle one with their ways.

Practical Application

In modern life, this proverb remains highly relevant. It encourages us to:

  • Evaluate Our Circles: Reflect on the character of our closest friends and colleagues. Do they contribute to peace and wisdom, or do they frequently stir up trouble and exhibit uncontrolled anger?
  • Protect Our Peace: Recognize that constant exposure to hostility can be detrimental to our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Setting healthy boundaries with volatile individuals is crucial.
  • Guard Against Imitation: As the very next verse, Proverbs 22:25, warns, associating with such people can lead us to "learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul." We risk adopting their destructive patterns if we spend too much time in their company.
  • Seek Wise Company: Actively pursue relationships with those who demonstrate self-control, patience, and a desire for peace, as such associations will build up and edify.

Ultimately, Proverbs 22:24 teaches that wise living includes making deliberate choices about who we allow to influence us, particularly guarding against the destructive power of uncontrolled anger in others.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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