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Context

Thirty Sayings of the Wise
…23for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. 24Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, 25or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.…

Cross References

James 1:19-20
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.Ephesians 4:31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”2 Timothy 2:24
And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.Romans 12:18
If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.Titus 3:2
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.Psalm 37:8
Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.Proverbs 14:17
A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.

Proverbs 21:24
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? …

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Proverbs 22

Do not make friends with an angry man
This phrase advises against forming close relationships with individuals who are prone to anger. In biblical context, anger is often associated with foolishness and sin (Proverbs 14:17, Ecclesiastes 7:9). The Hebrew culture valued self-control and wisdom, and anger was seen as a lack of both. The warning here is practical, as associating with angry individuals can lead to personal harm or influence one's own behavior negatively. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the fruit of the Spirit, which includes peace and patience (Galatians 5:22-23).

and do not associate with a hot-tempered man
The repetition of the warning underscores its importance. A hot-tempered person is one who is quick to anger and lacks self-control. Historically, such individuals could disrupt community harmony and lead others into conflict. The Bible frequently warns against wrath and encourages believers to seek peace (James 1:19-20). This advice is not only for personal well-being but also for maintaining a godly community. The call to avoid such associations is a call to pursue righteousness and wisdom, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified patience and gentleness (Matthew 11:29).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs are intended to impart practical wisdom and guidance for living a godly life.

2. Angry Man
This refers to a person characterized by frequent anger or a quick temper. In the context of ancient Hebrew culture, such a person would be seen as lacking self-control and wisdom.

3. Associations
The relationships and friendships one forms. In the context of this proverb, it refers to the caution against forming close ties with those who are easily angered.

Teaching Points

Guard Your Associations
Be mindful of the company you keep. Associating with those who are quick to anger can lead to negative influences and consequences in your life.

Seek Peaceful Relationships
Pursue friendships and relationships that are characterized by peace, patience, and understanding, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit.

Cultivate Self-Control
As believers, we are called to exhibit self-control, a fruit of the Spirit. Avoiding relationships with hot-tempered individuals can help us maintain this virtue.

Influence and Character
Recognize the impact that others can have on your character and spiritual walk. Choose friends who encourage and uplift you in your faith journey.

Reflect Christ's Love
In all relationships, strive to reflect the love and patience of Christ, being a light to those around you.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 22:24?2. How can Proverbs 22:24 guide us in choosing our friendships wisely? 3. What are potential consequences of associating with a "hot-tempered man"? 4. How does Proverbs 22:24 relate to 1 Corinthians 15:33 on bad company? 5. In what ways can we apply Proverbs 22:24 in our daily interactions? 6. How can we help others avoid the pitfalls mentioned in Proverbs 22:24?7. What does Proverbs 22:24 teach about relationships with angry people?8. How does Proverbs 22:24 align with Jesus' teachings on anger?9. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 22:24?10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22?11. How does bad company affect good character?12. How to handle abusive behavior from adult children?13. What guidance does the Bible offer on difficult people?14. How to handle abusive behavior from adult children?

What Does Proverbs 22:24 Mean

Do not make friends with an angry man

“Do not make friends with an angry man” (Proverbs 22:24a).

Solomon begins with a clear prohibition: friendship with someone ruled by anger is off-limits.

• Friendship is more than casual contact; it involves shared values, time, and influence. Proverbs 13:20 warns that “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” If anger dominates a friend’s character, that anger will seep into us.

• Angry people often erupt suddenly (Proverbs 29:11) and stir up conflict (Proverbs 15:18). Friendship draws us into their orbit, making us participants—willing or not—in their outbursts.

• Scripture repeatedly pairs anger with folly. Ecclesiastes 7:9 cautions, “Anger resides in the lap of fools,” while James 1:20 reminds us that “man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.” When choosing close companions, righteousness, not volatility, should set the standard.

and

do not associate with a hot-tempered man

“and do not associate with a hot-tempered man” (Proverbs 22:24b).

Solomon intensifies the warning: move beyond friendship and avoid even routine association with the hot-tempered.

• “Associate” includes business partnerships, dating relationships, and habitual social settings. Proverbs 14:7 says, “Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.”

• A hot-tempered person is one who flares quickly and habitually (Proverbs 29:22: “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression”). Exposure to that combustive spirit puts us in the blast radius of sin and its consequences.

• Scripture calls believers to peace (Romans 12:18) and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). Consistent association with rage undermines those virtues and normalizes the very behavior the Lord forbids (Psalm 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:33).

summary

Proverbs 22:24 is a straightforward safeguard: steer clear of intimate or ongoing connections with people whose lives are marked by anger. Such relationships corrupt character, multiply conflict, and pull us away from the peace and righteousness God intends for us.

Verses 24, 25. - Another tetrastich. Make no friendship with an angry (irascible) man. Have no close intercourse with a man given to fits of passion. And with a furious man thou shalt not go. Avoid the society of such a one. The reason follows: Lest thou learn his ways; his manner of life and conduct. as Proverbs 1:15 (where see note). Anger breeds anger; impotence, impatience. St. Basil ('De Ira'), quoted by Corn. a Lapide, enjoins, "Take not your adversary as your teacher, and be not a mirror to reflect the angry man, showing his figure in thyself." And get a snare to thy soul; bring destruction on thyself. Anger unsubdued not only mars the kindliness of social life, but leads to all sorts of dangerous complications which may bring ruin and death in their train (comp. Proverbs 15:18). Vers 26, 27. - A warning against suretyship, often repeated. Be not thou one of them that strike hands; i.e. that become guarantees for others (see on Proverbs 17:18; 20:16; and comp. Proverbs 6:1; Proverbs 11:15). Sureties for debts. The writer explains what kind of guarantee he means. Why should he (the creditor) take away thy bed from under thee? Why should you ("from respect of person." Septuagint) act so weakly as to give a creditor power to seize your very bed as a pledge? The Law endeavoured to mitigate this penalty (Exodus 22:26, 27; Deuteronomy 24:12, 13). But doubtless its merciful provisions were evaded by the moneylenders (see Nehemiah 5:11; Ezekiel 18:12, "hath not restored the pledge"). Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

make friends
תִּ֭תְרַע (tiṯ·ra‘)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

an angry
אָ֑ף (’āp̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

man,
בַּ֣עַל (ba·‘al)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner

and do not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

associate
תָבֽוֹא׃ (ṯā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

with
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

a hot-tempered
חֵ֝מוֹת (ḥê·mō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2534: Heat, anger, poison

man,
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

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Proverbs 22:24 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 22:24 Don't befriend a hot-tempered man and don't (Prov. Pro Pr)