Mishle 22:5

5 Thorns and pachim (snares) are in the derech of the crooked; he that is shomer over his nefesh shall be far from them.

Mishle 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.

Mishle 22:5 In-Context

3 A prudent man foreseeth the ra’ah, and hideth himself, but the naïve trudge on, and are punished.

4 By anavah (humility) and the Yirat Hashem are osher, and kavod, and chayyim.

5 Thorns and pachim (snares) are in the derech of the crooked; he that is shomer over his nefesh shall be far from them.

6 Train up a na’ar in the derech (road) he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7 The oisher ruleth over the rahshim (paupers), and the loveh (borrower, debtor) is eved (slave) to the ish malveh (lender).