King James Version

What Does Proverbs 22:24 Mean?

Proverbs 22:24 in the King James Version says “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:”

Proverbs 22:24 · KJV

Context

22

Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

23

For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

24

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

25

Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26

Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

Read Proverbs 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your life exhibits habitual anger, and how might their influence be affecting you negatively?
  2. What is the difference between righteous anger at sin/injustice versus sinful anger rooted in pride?
  3. How can you cultivate 'slow to anger' character (Proverbs 14:29) in a culture that valorizes outrage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אַל1 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֭תְרַע2 of 10

“Make no friendship”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

אֶת3 of 10
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בַּ֣עַל4 of 10

“man”

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

אָ֑ף5 of 10

“with an angry”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וְאֶת6 of 10
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אִ֥ישׁ7 of 10

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חֵ֝מוֹת8 of 10

“and with a furious”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

לֹ֣א9 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָבֽוֹא׃10 of 10

“thou shalt not go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 22:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 22:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 29:222 Corinthians 6:14-17Proverbs 21:24

Test Your Knowledge

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