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Proverbs 22:24
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 22:24–25.
Here is, 1. A good caution against being intimate with a passionate man. It is the law of friendship that we accommodate ourselves to our friends and be ready to serve them, and therefore we ought to be wise and wary in the choice of a friend, that we come not under the sacred tie to any one whom it would be our folly to accommodate ourselves to. Thought we must be civil to all, yet we must be careful whom we lay in our bosoms and contract a familiarity with. And, among others, a man who is easily provoked, touchy, and apt to resent affronts, who, when he is in a passion, cares not what he says or does, but grows outrageous, such a one is not fit to be made a friend or companion, for he will be ever and anon angry with us and that will be our trouble, and he will expect that we should, like him, be angry with others, and that will be our sin. 2. Good cause given for this caution: Lest thou learn his way. Those we go with we are apt to grow like. Our corrupt hearts have so much tinder in them that it is dangerous conversing with those that throw about the sparks of their passion. We shall thereby get a snare to our souls, for a disposition to anger is a great snare to any man, and an occasion of much sin. He does not say, "Lest thou have ill language given thee or get a broken head," but, which is must worse, "Lest thou imitate him, to humour him, and so contract an ill habit."
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
A secluded and remote habitation also contributes to the removal of distraction from the soul. Living among those who are unscrupulous and disdainful in their attitude toward an exact observance of the commandments is dangerous, as is shown by the following words of Solomon: “Do not be a friend to an angry man, and do not walk with a furious man, lest perhaps you learn his ways and take snares unto your soul.”
Do not be friends with an irascible man, etc. And although this can generally be taken of any irascible or raging person, yet nothing hinders from understanding it of those who raged with mad minds against the Saviour and His disciples; from whose friendship and company all believing in Him, caring for their salvation, were banned, so that also being neighbors to the wicked they themselves would not perish; which is proven to be possible in Judas Iscariot’s case. Generally, it is said that, just as perfect men should not avoid perverse neighbors, because they often bring them to righteousness and are never drawn to perversity; so, those who are weak should avoid depraved society, lest the evil they often see and cannot correct they be tempted to imitate.
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Summary
Proverbs 22:24 delivers a crucial admonition concerning the profound influence of companionship, urging the reader to exercise extreme discernment in forming close relationships. It issues a direct prohibition against cultivating deep friendships or partnerships with individuals characterized by uncontrolled anger and volatile temperaments. This proverb acts as a protective injunction, highlighting the pervasive danger that such associations pose to one's character, peace, and spiritual well-being, ultimately advocating for intentional choices that foster wisdom, tranquility, and righteousness over conflict and folly.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 22:24 is situated within "The Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a collection of practical instructions and moral exhortations designed to guide individuals toward a life of righteousness and flourishing. This specific verse follows a series of admonitions regarding integrity, justice, and the perils of oppression, and it directly precedes a warning against adopting the destructive ways of an angry person (Proverbs 22:25). The broader literary context of Proverbs consistently emphasizes the profound impact of one's associations, contrasting the paths of the wise and the foolish, and underscoring the imperative to choose companions who will edify rather than corrupt. The wisdom tradition throughout the book teaches that character is not merely an internal disposition but is significantly shaped and revealed through one's relationships and daily interactions.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite society, communal ties and relationships were foundational to a person's identity, security, and well-being. Wisdom literature, like Proverbs, frequently addressed practical living within a tightly-knit community. Uncontrolled anger, often leading to violence, feuds, or rash decisions, was highly disruptive to social harmony and personal safety. An "angry man" would have been perceived 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 a matter of personal preference but a vital safeguard for one's life, livelihood, and standing within the community. The emphasis on "making friendship with" and "going with" implies a deep, enduring association, highlighting the gravity of the warning against profound entanglement.
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" in Proverbs 13:20. 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, 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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 denotes a deep, intentional, and sustained companionship, implying a bond where mutual influence and shared life are inevitable. The prohibition is against forming this kind of close, influential bond that could lead to shared patterns of behavior and thought.
Properly, "the 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 H1167 (baʻal, "master" or "owner"), "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, uncontrolled temper.
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 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, imperative prohibition against forming a close, enduring relationship with someone habitually characterized by anger. The term "friendship" (from râʻâh') implies a level of intimacy and shared life where mutual influence is inevitable. The "angry man" (a "master of anger") is not merely someone who occasionally gets upset, but whose temperament is defined by a quick, uncontrolled temper. The wisdom here serves as a protective measure, advising against entanglement with a volatile and potentially destructive personality whose disposition could corrupt one's own.
"and with a furious man thou shalt not go:"
This second clause reinforces and intensifies the first. "Furious" (from chêmâh') describes an even more intense, burning, and potentially violent 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 life 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, leading to inevitable strife and moral compromise.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:24 effectively employs Synonymous Parallelism, a hallmark of 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" serving as 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 and its comprehensive scope. The verse also utilizes 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 and visceral 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, and plenteous in mercy" in Psalm 103:8, 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. The warnings in Proverbs are ultimately about protecting the soul and fostering a life aligned with divine principles.
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. This discernment allows us to live wisely in a fallen world, preserving our own spiritual health while still extending grace and compassion where appropriate.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this proverb mean I should never help or evangelize an angry person?
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, as stated in Proverbs 22:25. 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, leading you astray from the path of wisdom and peace.
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" in Matthew 11:29, 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 atoning 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" as admonished in Colossians 3:8 and to bear the fruit of "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Therefore, while we are warned against associating with those consumed by anger, Christ offers the radical 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, teachings, and redemptive power provide the ultimate blueprint for the wise and righteous relationships that Proverbs advocates.