Proverbs 22:5

5 Thistles and snares are in perverse ways; but he that keeps his soul will refrain 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 An intelligent man seeing a bad man severely punished is himself instructed, but fools pass by and are punished.
4 The fear of the Lord is the offspring of wisdom, and wealth, and glory, and life.
5 Thistles and snares are in perverse ways; but he that keeps his soul will refrain from them.
7 The rich will rule over the poor, and servants will lend to their own masters.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.