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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_22_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:5 - A Good Name" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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whoever values life will avoid it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thorns <i>and</i> snares <i>are</i> in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Thorns <i>and</i> snares <i>are</i> in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Thorns <i>and</i> snares are in the way of the perverse; One who guards himself will be far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards himself will be far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thorns <i>and</i> snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards himself will be far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thorns <i>and</i> snares are in the way of the crooked; He who keeps his soul will be far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate [for their lack of honor and their wrong-doing traps them]; He who guards himself [with godly wisdom] will be far from them <i>and</i> avoid the consequences they suffer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There are thorns and snares on the way of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse: He that keepeth his soul shall be far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Crooks walk down a road full of thorny traps. Stay away from there! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that keepeth his soul shall be far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A devious person has thorns and traps ahead of him. Whoever guards himself will stay far away from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you love your life, stay away from the traps that catch the wicked along the way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse person, but whoever is cautious stays far away from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the path of the perverse, but the one who guards himself keeps far from them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked: whoever guards his soul stays from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays from them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the perverse, "" Whoever is keeping his soul is far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thorns -- snares are in the way of the perverse, Whoso is keeping his soul is far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thorns, snares, in the way of the perverse one: he watching his soul shall be far from them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Arms and swords are in the way of the perverse: but he that keepeth his own soul departeth far from them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Weapons and swords are on the way of the perverse. But he who guards his own soul withdraws far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are on the path of the crooked; those who would safeguard their lives will avoid them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; the cautious will keep far from them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Snares and traps are found on a crooked way; he who keeps his soul shall be far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Nets and snares are in the perverse way, and he that keeps his soul will be far from them.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward; He that keepeth his soul holdeth himself far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thistles and snares are in perverse ways; but he that keeps his soul will refrain from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4409" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">A Good Name</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6791.htm" title="6791: ṣin·nîm (N-mp) -- Perhaps a thorn, barb. From an unused root meaning to be prickly; a thorn; hence, a cactus-hedge.">Thorns</a> <a href="/hebrew/6341.htm" title="6341: pa·ḥîm (N-mp) -- A, sheet, a spring net. From pachach; a sheet; also a spring net.">and snares</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: bə·ḏe·reḵ (Prep-b:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">lie on the path</a> <a href="/hebrew/6141.htm" title="6141: ‘iq·qêš (Adj-ms) -- Twisted, perverted. From aqash; distorted; hence, false.">of the perverse;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šō·w·mêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">he who guards</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">his soul</a> <a href="/hebrew/7368.htm" title="7368: yir·ḥaq (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">stays far</a> <a href="/hebrew/mê·hem (Prep-m:: Pro-3mp) -- ">from them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1-6</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9-10</a></span><br />The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-24.htm">Matthew 13:24-30</a></span><br />Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. / But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away. / When the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8-9</a></span><br />And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it. / No lion will be there, and no vicious beast will go up on it. Such will not be found there, but the redeemed will walk upon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24</a></span><br />“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a></span><br />Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10-18</a></span><br />As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. / There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. / All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-8.htm">Isaiah 59:8</a></span><br />The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/125-5.htm">Psalm 125:5</a></span><br />But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Proverbs 4:14-15</a></span><br />Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a></span><br />The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/18-8.htm">Job 18:8-10</a></span><br />For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh. / A trap seizes his heel; a snare grips him. / A noose is hidden in the ground, and a trap lies in his path.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Thorns and snares are in the way of the fraudulent: he that does keep his soul shall be far from them.</p><p class="hdg">thorns</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15</a></b></br> Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors <i>is</i> hard.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Proverbs 15:19</a></b></br> The way of the slothful <i>man is</i> as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous <i>is</i> made plain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/23-13.htm">Joshua 23:13</a></b></br> Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out <i>any of</i> these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.</p><p class="hdg">he</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></b></br> He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: <i>but</i> he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17</a></b></br> The highway of the upright <i>is</i> to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Proverbs 19:16</a></b></br> He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; <i>but</i> he that despiseth his ways shall die.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Far</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Holdeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Nets</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-16.htm">Path</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Snares</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Stays</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Twisted</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Far</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-33.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-12.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm">Holdeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-12.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-4.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-11.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Nets</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-19.htm">Path</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-25.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-33.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Snares</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-9.htm">Stays</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-33.htm">Twisted</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse;</b><br>This phrase uses vivid imagery to describe the consequences of a life lived in opposition to God's wisdom. Thorns and snares are often used in Scripture to symbolize obstacles and dangers (<a href="/genesis/3-18.htm">Genesis 3:18</a>, <a href="/matthew/13-7.htm">Matthew 13:7</a>). In ancient agricultural societies, thorns represented the curse of the ground and the difficulties of life outside of God's blessing. Snares, on the other hand, were traps used by hunters, symbolizing hidden dangers that can entangle and capture the unwary. The "perverse" refers to those who deviate from the path of righteousness, choosing instead a life of moral corruption and rebellion against divine law. This imagery warns that such a path is fraught with spiritual and moral peril, leading to destruction and separation from God.<p><b>he who guards his soul stays far from them.</b><br>This part of the verse emphasizes the importance of vigilance and self-discipline in maintaining one's spiritual well-being. To "guard" one's soul implies a proactive effort to protect oneself from spiritual harm, akin to a watchman safeguarding a city (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>). The soul, in biblical terms, represents the essence of a person's being, encompassing their mind, will, and emotions. Staying "far from them" suggests a deliberate choice to avoid the pitfalls associated with a perverse lifestyle. This aligns with the biblical principle of fleeing from sin and pursuing righteousness (<a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">2 Timothy 2:22</a>). The verse underscores the necessity of discernment and the pursuit of holiness, echoing the call to be set apart for God's purposes. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the two paths: one leading to life and the other to destruction (<a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_perverse.htm">The Perverse</a></b><br>This term refers to individuals who deviate from what is considered morally right or good. In the Hebrew text, the word used is (iqqeshim), which implies those who are morally twisted or crooked.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the righteous are implied as those who guard their souls and avoid the path of the perverse. They are contrasted with the perverse throughout Proverbs.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/thorns_and_snares.htm">Thorns and Snares</a></b><br>These are metaphorical obstacles and dangers that represent the consequences of a perverse lifestyle. In the Hebrew, (qotsim) for thorns and (pachim) for snares suggest physical and spiritual traps.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path.htm">The Path</a></b><br>This symbolizes one's way of life or moral journey. The Hebrew word (derekh) is often used to describe one's conduct or course of life.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_soul.htm">The Soul</a></b><br>The Hebrew word (nephesh) refers to the inner being or life essence of a person, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_soul.htm">Guarding the Soul</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of spiritual vigilance and self-discipline in maintaining a righteous path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_moral_traps.htm">Avoiding Moral Traps</a></b><br>Encourage believers to recognize and steer clear of situations and influences that could lead them astray.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_perverse_living.htm">Consequences of Perverse Living</a></b><br>Highlight the inevitable negative outcomes of living a life contrary to God's principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/choosing_the_right_path.htm">Choosing the Right Path</a></b><br>Stress the importance of making daily choices that align with biblical teachings and lead to spiritual growth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_proverbs_say_on_laziness.htm">What does Proverbs say about lazy people?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_'woke'.htm">How can one truly love God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_marriage_imply_singles_lack_blessing.htm">Proverbs 18:22: Does finding 'favor from the Lord' by marrying imply that the single or the divorced lack divine blessing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_disrespect.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on disrespect?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Thorns.--</span>Comp. note on <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm" title="The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.">Proverbs 15:19</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward.</span> The words are in the Hebrew without the conjunction (see note, ver. 4), though the versions generally add it. Thus the Septuagint, <span class="greek">τρίβολοι καὶ παγίδες</span>; Vulgate, <span class="accented">arma et gladiii</span> but the Venetian, <span class="greek">ἄκανθαι παγίδες</span>. It is a question whether the thorns are what the perverse prepare for others, or what they themselves suffer. In <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Proverbs 15:19</a> the hedge of thorns represented the difficulties in the sluggard's path; but here, viewed in connection with the following hemistich, the thorns and snares refer to the hindrances proceeding from the froward, which injuriously affect others; "thorns" being a figure of the pains and troubles, "snares" of the unexpected dangers and impediments which evil men cause as they go on their crooked way. The word for "thorns" is <span class="hebrew">צנִּים</span>, which occurs in <a href="/job/5-5.htm">Job 5:5</a>. The plant is supposed to be the <span class="accented">Rhamnus paliurus</span>, but it has not been accurately identified. <span class="cmt_word">He that doth keep his soul shall be far from them</span> (comp. <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a>; <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17</a>). The man who has regard to his life and morals will go far, will keep wholly aloof, from those perils and traps into which the perverse try to entice them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Thorns</span><br /><span class="heb">צִנִּ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(ṣin·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6791.htm">Strong's 6791: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thorn, a cactus-hedge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and snares</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּ֭חִים</span> <span class="translit">(pa·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6341.htm">Strong's 6341: </a> </span><span class="str2">A, sheet, a spring net</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[lie] on the path</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḏe·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the perverse;</span><br /><span class="heb">עִקֵּ֑שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(‘iq·qêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6141.htm">Strong's 6141: </a> </span><span class="str2">Twisted, perverted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he who guards</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁוֹמֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(šō·w·mêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his soul</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">stays far</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְחַ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(yir·ḥaq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become far or distant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from them.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the path (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>