25.095 | Befriend Not An Angry Man | Prov 22:24-25 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

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Text: Prov 22:24-25 ESV

24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,

25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

-Prov 22:24-25 ESV

BEFRIEND NOT AN ANGRY MAN

An angry man is someone who cannot control their temper. The Bible clearly warns against such unrighteous anger. It should be noted that not all anger is immoral. Paul stated, "Be angry and do not sin" (Eph 4:26). But, Paul commands also, "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice" (Eph 4:31).

There is a risk in befriending him. Neither have friendship nor business dealings with such person. There is a boundary to observe. As Paul exhorts, “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” (1 Cor 5:9–10). Rather, it means we should seek not to be influenced by such persons. Associating closely with a wrathful person also contradicts the stern warning by Paul, that is, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"[ 2 Cor 6:14]

What are the risks in befriending them? Hot headed person can lead to fights and drag others into them. ‘A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.’ (Prov 29:22). Those who lose control of their tempers often accumulate enemies. ‘A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.’ (Prov 14:17). Further, having an intimate friendship with such a person means accepting a bad influence. In subtle ways, they can corrupt others into acting the same way. ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.’ (Prov 13:20). The counsel is “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Cor 15:33).

Avoiding them is avoiding a snare. A "snare" is a kind of trap used to capture animals. The allusion to becoming entangled in a snare by adopting a hothead's anger and behavior presents an urgent warning to anyone who might consider befriending a "hothead:" a person lacking control of their rage.

This warning is quite relevant to teenagers, who are more prone to enter into risky relationships. As Solomon exhorts them in Proverbs 1:10–15, that is, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood …' my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths." Choosing the right friends is a mark of maturity.

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