Proverbs 22:24
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures often valued aggressive masculinity. Military prowess, quick vengeance, and fierce honor defense were culturally praised. Yet Proverbs consistently condemns uncontrolled anger: 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty' (Proverbs 16:32); 'A wrathful man stirreth up strife' (Proverbs 15:18). Israel's history records the devastation wrought by angry men: Cain killed Abel (Genesis 4:5-8); Simeon and Levi massacred Shechem (Genesis 34:25-31); Saul's rage drove David into exile (1 Samuel 18-31). Jesus reframed anger as heart-murder: 'whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment' (Matthew 5:22). The early church emphasized transformed relationships—Christians were to be 'kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another' (Ephesians 4:32), contrasting sharply with the violent Greco-Roman culture.
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your life exhibits habitual anger, and how might their influence be affecting you negatively?
- What is the difference between righteous anger at sin/injustice versus sinful anger rooted in pride?
- How can you cultivate 'slow to anger' character (Proverbs 14:29) in a culture that valorizes outrage?
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb warns against close association with angry people. 'Make no friendship' (אַל־תִּתְרָעָה/al-titra'eh, do not associate/befriend) with 'an angry man' (בַּעַל אַף/ba'al af, literally 'master/possessor of anger'). The parallel 'furious man' (אִישׁ חֵמוֹת/ish chemot, man of wrath) intensifies the warning. This addresses habitual, uncontrolled anger—not occasional righteous indignation but a character marked by rage. The command uses the strongest relational term—'friendship'—indicating that even casual association proves dangerous. Anger is contagious. Proverbs 22:25 (next verse) explains why: 'Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.' Anger learned becomes anger practiced. Paul commands: 'Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger... be put away from you' (Ephesians 4:31). James warns: 'the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God' (James 1:20). While righteous anger exists (Mark 3:5; John 2:13-17), most human anger flows from pride and selfishness.