Proverbs 22:5

5 1Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever 2guards his soul will keep far 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 prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Proverbs 15:19
  • 2. Proverbs 21:23; [1 John 5:18]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.