Mishle 22:25

25 Lest thou learn his orkhot (ways), and take a mokesh (snare) for thy nefesh.

Mishle 22:25 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:25

Lest thou learn his ways
And be as wrathful and furious, as quarrelsome and contentious, as he is. Evil works and ways are soon learned; men are more ready to imitate what is evil than what is good: Joseph learned to swear in Pharaoh's court; and the Israelites learned the works of the Heathen, among whom they were mingled; "evil communications corrupt good manners", ( 1 Corinthians 15:33 ) . Many men, naturally mild and gentle, tenderhearted and compassionate, by being brought up among or conversing with bloodthirsty Papists, and imbibing their cruel notions and sentiments, have become fierce, and as furious persecutors of others; and get a snare to thy soul;
be drawn into sin, by speaking passionate words, or doing rash actions, which will bring on punishment, either in this world, or in that to come, or in both; which may affect the soul or life here; the taking of it away, or the eternal damnation of the soul hereafter.

Mishle 22:25 In-Context

23 For Hashem will plead their cause, and plunder the nefesh of those that plundered them.

24 Make no friendship with a ba’al af (angry man), and with an ish chemot (man of wrath) thou shalt not go,

25 Lest thou learn his orkhot (ways), and take a mokesh (snare) for thy nefesh.

26 Be not thou one of them that shake hands in a pledge, or of them that are collateral for masha’ot (debts, loans).

27 If thou hast nothing with which to pay, why should he take away thy mishkav (bed) from under thee?