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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thorns {H6791} and snares {H6341} are in the way {H1870} of the froward {H6141}: he that doth keep {H8104} his soul {H5315} shall be far {H7368} from them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thorns and snares beset the way of the stubborn; he who values his life keeps his distance from them.

Berean Standard Bible

Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.

American Standard Version

Thornsandsnares are in the way of the perverse: He that keepeth his soul shall be far from them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:5 vividly contrasts the perilous path of the morally perverse with the secure journey of the vigilant soul. It asserts that those who stubbornly pursue a crooked lifestyle will inevitably encounter painful obstacles and hidden dangers, likened to thorns and snares. Conversely, individuals who diligently guard their inner being—their thoughts, desires, and actions—from corrupting influences will successfully navigate life's challenges, remaining far from such destructive pitfalls. This proverb underscores the direct and predictable consequences of one's moral choices and the profound wisdom inherent in spiritual self-preservation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22:5 is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a collection characterized by its concise, didactic statements offering practical wisdom for daily living. This particular verse immediately follows a proverb on the reward of humility and the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 22:4) and precedes a warning against the lazy (Proverbs 22:6). It fits seamlessly into the broader theme of contrasting the "way" of the righteous with the "way" of the wicked, a recurring motif throughout the book (e.g., [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Paths of the Righteous and the Wicked")). The verse's stark imagery of "thorns and snares" is typical of Proverbs' use of natural phenomena to illustrate spiritual truths, serving as a cautionary principle within a larger body of wisdom literature designed to guide individuals toward a flourishing life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Israel, where practical instruction for life was deeply intertwined with theological understanding. The imagery of "thorns" (likely thorny bushes or hedges) and "snares" (traps for animals, often hidden) would have been immediately recognizable to an agrarian society familiar with navigating rugged terrain and the dangers of hunting. The concept of a "way" (Hebrew: _derek_) was not merely a physical path but a comprehensive metaphor for one's entire course of life, including one's conduct, habits, and moral disposition. In a society where community and reputation were paramount, the consequences of a "froward" (perverse) way would have been evident in social ostracism, legal repercussions, and personal suffering, reinforcing the need for adherence to communal and divine standards of righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 22:5 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive in the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **principle of consequences**, asserting that one's moral choices directly determine their life's trajectory and outcomes. The "thorns and snares" are not arbitrary misfortunes but the natural, often self-inflicted, results of a perverse way. Secondly, it emphasizes the **dichotomy of paths**, a fundamental theme in Proverbs that continually contrasts the "way of the wise" with the "way of the foolish" or "wicked" (e.g., [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man")). The verse presents a clear choice between a path fraught with peril and one offering safety. Thirdly, it underscores the importance of **spiritual vigilance and self-preservation**, encapsulated in the phrase "he that doth keep his soul." This speaks to the active, conscious effort required to guard one's inner life—mind, will, and emotions—from corrupting influences, aligning with the admonition in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart") to "keep your heart with all diligence."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From a root meaning "to tread," _derek_ refers to a road or path, but figuratively, it denotes a course of life or mode of action. In Proverbs 22:5, it signifies the lifestyle, conduct, or moral trajectory chosen by an individual. The "way of the froward" is thus a life characterized by perversity and deviation from righteousness, leading to specific, undesirable outcomes.
* **Froward (Hebrew, _ʻiqqêsh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to distort," _ʻiqqêsh_ describes someone who is twisted, crooked, or perverse in their moral character. It implies a deliberate turning away from what is right and straight, a stubborn refusal to adhere to ethical or divine principles. The "froward" individual is morally bent, and their chosen "way" reflects this distortion.
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This primitive root means "to hedge about," "guard," or "protect." In the context of "keeping one's soul," it implies a diligent, active, and circumspect effort to preserve, watch over, and attend to one's inner being. It's a proactive act of vigilance against external temptations and internal corruptions that could lead one astray.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward:"** This clause sets forth the dire consequences awaiting those who choose a morally perverse path. "Thorns" (Hebrew: _tsên_) represent sharp, painful obstacles, while "snares" (Hebrew: _pach_) denote hidden traps designed to entangle and capture. Together, they vividly portray the inevitable difficulties, dangers, and destructive entanglements that naturally arise from a life characterized by stubborn disobedience, dishonesty, or moral deviation. These are not random misfortunes but the inherent fruits of a crooked "way" or lifestyle.
* **"he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them."** This contrasting clause presents the alternative: safety and preservation for those who exercise spiritual vigilance. "To keep his soul" (Hebrew: _shâmar nephesh_) means to guard, protect, and preserve one's inner self—one's life, mind, desires, and moral integrity. This active self-preservation, rooted in wisdom and adherence to righteous principles, ensures that such an individual will remain distant from the painful obstacles and destructive traps that ensnare the froward. It implies a divinely enabled protection that accompanies a life of careful discernment and moral uprightness.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "thorns and snares" serve as vivid, tangible representations of the painful troubles, hidden dangers, and destructive consequences that await the morally perverse. These are not literal thorns and snares but symbolic of the spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical pitfalls that arise from a crooked "way." The verse also utilizes stark **Contrast**, setting the perilous path of the "froward" against the secure path of the one who "keeps his soul." This antithetical parallelism is a hallmark of Proverbs, emphasizing the clear distinction and opposing outcomes between two distinct moral choices. Furthermore, a subtle form of **Cause and Effect** is present, where the character and choices of an individual (froward vs. soul-keeping) are presented as the direct cause of their life's circumstances (thorns and snares vs. being far from them).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 22:5 deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on wisdom as a path to life and folly as a path to destruction. It underscores the theological truth that God has ordered the world such that righteousness generally leads to flourishing, while wickedness leads to ruin, even if not immediately apparent. The "thorns and snares" are not merely human-made difficulties but often the natural outworking of a moral universe governed by God's principles, where sin carries inherent consequences. The call to "keep his soul" reflects the profound biblical understanding of the human person as an integrated being, where the inner life (thoughts, desires) directly impacts the outer life (actions, experiences). This vigilance is not self-salvation but a wise alignment with God's design for human flourishing, acknowledging that true protection comes from living in accordance with His revealed will.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"): "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
* [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard"): "Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard."
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"): "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 22:5 offers timeless and profoundly practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life. It serves as a powerful reminder that our choices, particularly those concerning our moral and spiritual integrity, have direct and often predictable consequences. The "thorns and snares" of today might manifest as addiction, financial ruin, broken relationships, emotional distress, or spiritual emptiness—all too often the bitter fruit of a "froward" or perverse path characterized by dishonesty, selfishness, or a refusal to submit to divine truth. To avoid these pitfalls, we are called to actively "keep our soul," which means cultivating a discerning mind, a pure heart, and a steadfast spirit grounded in biblical truth. This involves intentional spiritual disciplines, careful consideration of our associations, vigilant guarding of our thoughts and desires, and a proactive commitment to living a life that honors God. By choosing integrity, humility, and obedience, we align ourselves with God's protective principles, positioning ourselves for a life of greater peace, stability, and genuine flourishing, thereby steering clear of the self-inflicted wounds that ensnare the unwary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be walking a "froward" path, perhaps subtly, and what "thorns and snares" am I encountering as a result?**
* **What does "keeping my soul" practically look like in my daily routines, choices, and relationships?**
* **What specific temptations or influences do I need to be more vigilant about guarding my soul against?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's wisdom to better discern the "way of the froward" and choose the path of righteousness?**

### FAQ

**What does "froward" mean in the context of Proverbs 22:5?**

Answer: In Proverbs 22:5, "froward" (Hebrew: _ʻiqqêsh_) describes someone who is morally twisted, perverse, or crooked. It signifies an individual whose character and choices are stubbornly contrary to what is right, just, and aligned with God's wisdom. Their "way" or lifestyle is marked by deviation from uprightness, leading them into self-destructive patterns and inevitable difficulties. It's not merely a mistake but a settled disposition of perversity.

**What are the "thorns and snares" referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The "thorns and snares" are powerful metaphors for the painful obstacles, hidden dangers, and destructive traps that inevitably confront those who live a morally perverse life. "Thorns" (Hebrew: _tsên_) suggest painful, prickly difficulties and hindrances, while "snares" (Hebrew: _pach_) refer to hidden traps designed to entangle and capture. These are not arbitrary misfortunes but the natural consequences that arise from a life lived out of alignment with wisdom and righteousness, often manifesting as relational breakdown, financial ruin, emotional distress, or spiritual emptiness.

**How does one "keep his soul" according to this proverb?**

Answer: To "keep his soul" (Hebrew: _shâmar nephesh_) means to diligently guard, protect, and preserve one's inner being—one's mind, will, emotions, and moral integrity. It involves active vigilance against corrupting influences, temptations, and destructive thoughts or desires. This is a proactive spiritual discipline, requiring a conscious effort to align one's inner life with God's truth and wisdom, thereby steering clear of the pitfalls that ensnare those who are morally careless or perverse. This concept is echoed in passages like [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"), which admonishes us to "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 22:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of perfect wisdom and the very "way" of life. While the proverb speaks to the general principle of consequences for moral choices, it also implicitly points to humanity's inherent struggle to "keep his soul" perfectly and avoid the "thorns and snares" of sin. All have fallen short (as [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") declares), and our "froward" nature leads us into inevitable entanglement. Christ, however, lived a life completely free from perversity, never succumbing to the "thorns and snares" of sin (as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted But Without Sin")). He is the true "keeper of souls," not only preserving His own but offering to preserve ours. It is through His atoning work on the cross that He bore the "thorns" of our sin and broke the "snares" of death and the devil (as seen in [Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Sin")). By placing our faith in Him, we are delivered from the "way of the froward" and are enabled by His Spirit to walk in His righteous "way," which is the only true path to eternal life and freedom from condemnation ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, we find not just a warning, but the ultimate solution for escaping the perils of a fallen world and securing our souls for eternity.

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 15:19

¶ The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain.

1 John 5:18

¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Proverbs 16:17

¶ The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Jude 1:20

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Jude 1:21

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Proverbs 19:16

¶ He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; [but] he that despiseth his ways shall die.

Proverbs 13:15

¶ Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard.