Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Original Language Analysis
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
are in the way
H1870
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
are in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
שׁוֹמֵ֥ר
he that doth keep
H8104
שׁוֹמֵ֥ר
he that doth keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ
his soul
H5315
נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ
his soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Proverbs 15:19The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.Proverbs 16:17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.1 John 5:18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.Proverbs 19:16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.Proverbs 13:15Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.Job 18:8For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.
Historical Context
Thorns and snares were dangers in ancient travel—thorns causing injury and snares trapping travelers. Using this imagery for the wicked's path emphasized the real, physical dangers of associating with perverse people.
Questions for Reflection
- Are there relationships or situations you need to distance yourself from to 'keep your soul'?
- How do you balance engaging culture with maintaining separation from sin?
- What does vigilantly guarding your soul look like practically?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The 'froward' (Hebrew 'iqqesh'—twisted, perverse) person's way contains 'thorns and snares.' The righteous who 'keep his soul' stays far from them. The wicked's path is dangerous, while the righteous maintains safe distance. This reflects the Reformed principle of separation from sin. We must not only avoid evil acts but avoid situations and associations that lead to evil. The Hebrew 'shamar nephesh' (keep/guard soul) emphasizes active vigilance in protecting oneself spiritually.