Proverbs 22:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.

NIV: In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

NASB: Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; One who guards himself will be far from them.

CSB: There are thorns and snares on the way of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them.

NLT: Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.

KJV: Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

NKJV: Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.

The Bible often mentions "paths" as a metaphor for the choices one makes in life (Proverbs 1:15–16; Psalm 119:35). Those who follow godly wisdom are on a path to safety and truth (Proverbs 12:28). Those who wander from that path suffer greater danger and will become lost (Proverbs 4:18–19). Other proverbs used similar language to note that ignoring God's will makes life harder (Proverbs 15:19).

Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matthew 7:13–14). The road that seems so easy is far from easy. Thorns and snares lie in the way, and those who choose to travel that route have no one to help them surmount the difficulties. Those who choose to follow the narrow way may find it to be a hard road, but Jesus leads the way and provides mercy and grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Proverbs 22:1–16 dispenses practical advice about gaining a good reputation, avoiding danger, setting children on a good path, finances, pure living, and the Lord's watchfulness and judgment. These verses also speak on the absurdity of laziness, the danger of evil words, and the sin of oppressing the poor. This completes an extensive list of wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1) attributed to Solomon.

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.

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.

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.

Accessed 5/19/2024 6:29:14 PM