Proverbs 22:5

5 Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the perverse; he who guards himself will keep away from them.

Proverbs 22:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:5

Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the froward
Who walks contrary to the will and law of God; such a man meets with troubles, which are as thorns, grieving and distressing to him; and is taken in snares, and brought into difficulties, out of which he is not easily extricated; the thorns of affliction, and the snares of Satan: by the one his way is hedged up, and in the other his feet are taken; he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them;
he that is concerned for the good of his soul, is careful for the welfare of that, and takes heed to his ways where and how he walks, will be far both from the way of the froward, and from the thorns and snares which are in his way.

Proverbs 22:5 In-Context

3 The clever sees danger and hides, but the simple go on and suffer.

4 The reward of humility [is] the fear of Yahweh-- wealth and honor and life.

5 Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the perverse; he who guards himself will keep away from them.

6 Train the child {concerning his way}; even when he is old, he will not stray from it.

7 The rich will rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave of {the lender}.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "soul," or "life"