What does Proverbs 22:25 mean?
ESV: lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
NIV: or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
NASB: Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself.
CSB: or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
NLT: or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
KJV: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
NKJV: Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.
Verse Commentary:
Scripture notes that the people we choose to associate with influence our morality (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33). Among the more dangerous character flaws is the person who cannot control their temper. Associating with a hot-tempered man may lead to copying his behavior. That can lead directly to all sorts of traps and dangers. It can also mean being caught up in the consequences of that person's sinful choices (Proverbs 29:22).
A "snare" typically refers to the kind of trap used to capture animals, which are then killed. The allusion to becoming entangled in a snare by adopting a hothead's anger and behavior presents an urgent warning to anyone who might consider befriending a "hothead:" a person lacking control of their rage.
Though adults tend to have a more mature perspective on which friends to choose, children and teenagers are especially susceptible to the temptation to choose wrong friends. Peer pressure is extremely strong among youth. Less mature people are more easily lured into friendships that drag them into sin. Perhaps an unwary teenager chooses friends who prey on his sympathy or promise him excitement. After a while, the gullible one finds himself ensnared in an unhealthy relationship. Teenagers and adults need to heed the admonition found in Proverbs 1:10–15: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood …' my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths."
Verse Context:
Proverbs 22:22–29 begins Solomon's collection of thirty wise sayings. First, he presents a series of negative commands; chapter 22 ends with the first five collected teachings. These warnings touch on proper treatment of the disadvantaged, relationships, loans, boundary lines, and work ethic.
Chapter Summary:
This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.
Chapter Context:
This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
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