Why the Bible Says: Do Not Make Friends with an Angry Man (Proverbs 22:24-25)

Why the Bible Says: Do Not Make Friends with an Angry Man (Proverbs 22:24-25)

“Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man.”—Proverbs 22:24

Solomon does not soften this instruction. He doesn’t say be careful or use discernment. He gives a clear boundary: do not.

This proverb isn’t about avoiding imperfect people. It’s about refusing close fellowship with someone whose life is ruled by uncontrolled anger.

Why Scripture Is So Direct About Angry Companions

Friendship is more than proximity. It involves shared values, shared time, and shared influence.

“He who walks with the wise will become wise,but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20)

Anger does not stay contained. It spreads.

Scripture repeatedly connects anger with folly. Angry people erupt suddenly, stir conflict, and draw others into chaos—often without warning. James says plainly that human anger never produces the righteousness God desires.

When choosing close companions, character matters. Righteousness—not volatility—must be the standard.

“Do Not Associate With a Hot-Tempered Man”

Solomon intensifies the warning.

This isn’t limited to friendship. It includes association—ministry relationships, business partnerships, dating, and habitual social environments.

A hot-tempered person is not someone who occasionally gets angry. It is someone who habitually reacts, explodes, and justifies it. Proverbs says this kind of person multiplies sin, not wisdom.

And here’s the danger:

“Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” (Proverbs 22:25)

Habits are caught faster than they are taught.

Anger spreads little by little until what once shocked us begins to feel normal—raised voices, harsh words, grudges, and constant offense. Sin never stays private. It always creates consequences.

I learned that lesson personally.

A Lesson I Learned the Hard Way

At one conference I was leading, a minister who had traveled with me before was part of the meetings. Before and during his session, he kept telling me how exhausted he was. Wanting to honor that, I told him I would take the next session so he could rest.

At first, there was no issue.

Later that evening, back at the Airbnb where I was staying, something shifted. Without warning, he erupted. He accused me of operating in confusion, told me I was young and didn’t know what I was doing—and then crossed a line that made everything unmistakably clear.

He pointed toward the kitchen and said,

“See those knives over there? I’ll cut you.”

That was no longer a disagreement. That was a threat.

In that moment, I had a choice. I could respond in anger and escalate the situation—or I could respond in love and wisdom. By the grace of God, I stayed calm. I didn’t retaliate. I didn’t posture. I spoke carefully, diffused the situation, and kept the peace.

What still amazes me is that the situation de-escalated so completely that he later drove me to the service that night.

That wasn’t fear. That wasn’t weakness. That was love operating with wisdom.

Love Does Not Mean Continued Friendship

Here’s the part that matters most.

Walking in love did not mean continuing friendship.

Scripture says, “Do not make friends with an angry man.” An angry man is not someone who has a bad day—it’s someone who is ruled by anger and refuses to govern it. That night made it clear that this man fit that description.

I forgave him fully. Forgiveness is a gift we give freely.

But friendship requires trust, and trust cannot exist where uncontrolled anger remains.

Since that day, I have not continued a relationship with him—not out of bitterness, but out of obedience to Scripture. I still wish him well. I still hope the best for him and his family. There is no resentment in my heart.

But wisdom sets boundaries.

Why Proverbs 22 Still Protects Us Today

“Do not make friends with an angry man” isn’t harsh—it’s merciful.

God knows that anger spreads. He knows how easily it entangles. And He knows how much damage it can do if we ignore His warning.

You can love people. You can forgive people. You can pray for people.

But you are not called to walk closely with those who refuse to govern their spirit.

Love does not require proximity. Peace does not demand access. And maturity knows when to step away without hatred.

The wisdom of Proverbs isn’t meant to isolate us—it’s meant to protect our souls.

Anger unchecked becomes a snare. Boundaries preserve peace. And walking in wisdom keeps us free. That is not weakness. That is biblical maturity.

If this blessed you, read my blog What the Bible Really Says About Anger (And Why It Matters)