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

PROVERBS 22:24KJV
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Proverbs 22:24 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 22:24 mean?

Proverbs 22:24 warns the reader not to become close friends with someone who is easily angered or given to rage. The verse cautions against joining such a person in their ways or making them a companion in daily life.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed toward anyone seeking wisdom for daily living. The advice is practical: being close to someone with a hot temper can influence your own behavior and lead to trouble. The verse highlights the importance of choosing friends carefully, especially avoiding those whose anger might draw you into conflict or harm.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 22:24

  • The word for "friendship" is רָעָה (ra‘ah), which often means to associate closely or to be a companion. This word suggests more than casual acquaintance; it points to a relationship where influence is likely.
  • "Angry" uses אַף (’aph), which literally means "nose" but is used in Hebrew to describe anger, as flaring nostrils are a sign of rage. This paints a vivid picture of someone whose temper is easily provoked.
  • "Furious" is חֵמָה (chemah), meaning intense wrath or rage. This is a stronger word than "angry," emphasizing someone who is not just quick-tempered but prone to outbursts.
  • "Go" is בּוֹא (bo’), which means to walk with or accompany. The idea is not just physical movement but sharing in the person's path or lifestyle.

Why Proverbs 22:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the company you keep can shape your own character, especially when it comes to emotional habits like anger.
  • The proverb emphasizes that wisdom includes not just what you do, but who you choose to walk through life with.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this warning fits into a larger theme about avoiding harmful influences and seeking out relationships that encourage self-control and peace.

Where else these words appear

“man” Hebrew H1167 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Judges 9:18 And ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;)
  • Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

“furious” Hebrew H2534 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 27:44 And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;
  • Psalms 106:23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
  • Lamentations 4:11 The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.

“friendship” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
  • Jeremiah 33:12 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.