Proverbs 22:5
Proverbs 22:5 in Multiple Translations
Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse: He that keepeth his soul shall be far from them.
Thorns and nets are in the way of the twisted: he who keeps watch over his soul will be far from them.
Thorns and traps lie in the path of crooked people; those who value their lives will stay away from them.
Thornes and snares are in the way of the frowarde: but he that regardeth his soule, will depart farre from them.
Thorns — snares [are] in the way of the perverse, Whoso is keeping his soul is far from them.
Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them.
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Arms and swords are in the way of the perverse: but he that keepeth his own soul departeth far from them.
Because of the things that wicked people do, they have difficulties/troubles that will be like thorns and traps on the roads that they walk on [MET]; people who are careful/cautious will be able to stay away from those difficulties.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 22:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צִנִּ֣ים
פַּ֭חִים
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
עִקֵּ֑שׁ
שׁוֹמֵ֥ר
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
יִרְחַ֥ק
מֵ/הֶֽם
צִנִּ֣ים
tsên
H6791
thorn
N-mp
פַּ֭חִים
pach
H6341
snare
N-mp
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
עִקֵּ֑שׁ
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
twisted
Adj
שׁוֹמֵ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
יִרְחַ֥ק
râchaq
H7368
to remove
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מֵ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:5
צִנִּ֣ים
tsên
H6791
"thorn"
N-mp
A thorn is a sharp object that can hurt people, like in Matthew 27:29. This word describes a type of plant with sharp points, often used as a metaphor for sin or hardship in the Bible. It can also refer to a cactus-hedge, used for protection.
Definition: 1) thorn, barb 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: thorn. See also: Job 5:5; Proverbs 22:5.
פַּ֭חִים
pach
H6341
"snare"
N-mp
This word refers to a thin, flat piece of metal, like a plate. It can also describe a net used for catching animals, spread out like a thin sheet of metal.
Definition: 1) bird trap, trap, snare 1a) bird trap (literal) 1b) of calamities, plots, source or agent of calamity (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: gin, (thin) plate, snare. See also: Exodus 39:3; Psalms 142:4; Psalms 11:6.
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
עִקֵּ֑שׁ
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
"twisted"
Adj
The Hebrew word for something that is twisted or distorted, and can also refer to someone who is being false or perverse. It is used to describe something that is not straight or honest. The KJV translates it as crooked or froward.
Definition: twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crooked, froward, perverse. See also: Deuteronomy 32:5; Proverbs 8:8; Psalms 18:27.
שׁוֹמֵ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
יִרְחַ֥ק
râchaq
H7368
"to remove"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
מֵ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:5
Context — A Good Name
3The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
4The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
5Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.
6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:19 | The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. |
| 2 | 1 John 5:18 | We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:17 | The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. |
| 4 | Proverbs 19:16 | He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die. |
| 5 | Jude 1:20–21 | But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. |
| 6 | Proverbs 13:15 | Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult. |
| 7 | Job 18:8 | For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh. |
| 8 | Psalms 91:1 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. |
| 9 | Joshua 23:13 | know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you. |
| 10 | Psalms 11:6 | On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion. |
Proverbs 22:5 Summary
This verse is saying that when we choose to live in ways that are opposed to God's will, we can expect to face difficulties and dangers. On the other hand, when we are careful to follow God's path and guard our hearts and minds, we can avoid many troubles. As it says in Psalm 37:37, 'Mark the blameless and observe the upright, for the future of that man is peace.' By following God's Word and being mindful of our choices, we can walk in peace and avoid the 'thorns and snares' that come from living a perverse lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a 'perverse' path?
In Proverbs 22:5, a perverse path refers to a lifestyle that is contrary to God's will, as described in Psalm 119:101, where it says, 'I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep your word.'
How can I 'guard my soul' as mentioned in this verse?
Guarding your soul involves being mindful of the influences and choices that can impact your spiritual well-being, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:8, which advises us to be vigilant and resist the devil's schemes.
Are 'thorns and snares' just physical dangers or can they be spiritual too?
The 'thorns and snares' in Proverbs 22:5 can represent both physical and spiritual dangers, similar to the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6:12, where we are warned about struggling against spiritual forces of evil.
Does this verse imply that I can avoid all troubles by making good choices?
While Proverbs 22:5 suggests that making wise choices can help us avoid certain troubles, it's also important to remember that, as Christians, we are not immune to difficulties, as seen in John 16:33, where Jesus promises that in this world we will have trouble, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'thorns and snares' in my own life that I need to be aware of and avoid?
- In what ways can I practically 'guard my soul' in my daily choices and interactions?
- How does my understanding of God's will and Word help me to identify and avoid a 'perverse' path?
- What role does humility and the fear of the Lord play in helping me to stay on a path that is pleasing to God, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:4?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. Thorns and snares (entanglements in sin, and consequent punishment) are in the way of the froward.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward; the wicked by their evil courses expose themselves to many dangers and occasions both of sin and mischief. He that doth keep his soul, that taketh heed to himself, and to his actions, and to the saving of his life and soul, shall be far from them; either, 1. Will avoid the society of such froward persons. Or, 2. Shall by that circumspection preserve himself from those thorns, &c., with which the pronoun them agrees in number.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
Proverbs 22:5 Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.Ver. 5. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward.] In opposition to the reward of righteousness; which is to say, "The ungodly are not so." Or if they have riches, they prove thorns to them to prick and choke their souls; if honour, and long life to enjoy it, these prove snares to them. Of carnal hearts it may be said, as Pharaoh said of the Israelites, "They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in." They have treasures in the field, of wheat, barley, and oil, as those ten men had, and are therefore loath to die. And yet before they die - live they never so long in all abundance of riches and honours - God can bring them to that pass that Charles V was at, whom of all men the world judged most happy. Philip of Mornay reports of him that he cursed his honours in his old age, his victories, trophies, riches, saying, Abite hinc, abite longe: Away, away, get you far away. He that doth keep his soul, shall be far from them.] As well from the wicked man’ s miseries as his misdemeanours; he keeps aloof from both; he dares not meddle with the hole of the asp, lest he meet with a sting. Custos animae elongabit se, &c. Moneo te iterumque monebo, saith Lactantius to his Demetrian, ne oblectamenta ista terrae pro magnis aut veris bonis habere te credas: quae sunt non tantum fallacia quia dubia, verum etiam insidiosa quia dulcia. Set not thine heart upon the asses, since thou art in election for a kingdom, and the hearts of all Israel are upon thee. Lactant., De Opificio Dei.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
(5) Thorns.—Comp. note on Proverbs 15:19.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
Verse 5. Thorns and snares] Various difficulties, trials, and sufferings.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:5
5. Thorns and snares, etc. — There is no conjunction here again.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On Communion in the Lords Supper. by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of ratifying one's dedication to God through the Ordinance of Baptism by partaking in the Table of the Lord, as a way to express love |
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Biblical Assurance 5 - Austin, Tx by Paul Washer | In this sermon, Paul Washer emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. He urges listeners to consider the two significant days |
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(1 John #30) Stock of Certainties by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the Apostle John concludes his epistle by presenting a cluster of certainties to challenge and comfort the readers. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the true |
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Does Doctrine Matter - Part 7 by Derek Melton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the Christian experience of being dead in sin and feeling the wrath of God. He criticizes the idea of coming to God for personal gain rather |
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Does Doctrine Matter - Part 8 by Derek Melton | Derek Melton emphasizes the critical importance of doctrine, particularly the doctrine of regeneration, in the Christian faith. He explains that true regeneration leads to a transf |
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I'm Not Sure I Am Saved - How Can I Know for Sure? by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker recounts an encounter with a young man at a retreat center in New Hampshire. The young man approached the speaker to discuss the certainty of one's rela |
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I John - Keep Yourselves From Idols by Mariano Di Gangi | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a dog dropping its bone to reach for a bigger one to caution against abandoning the true and living God. He emphasizes the importan |