What are potential consequences of associating with a "hot-tempered man"?

Key Passage

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

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

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Immediate Warnings in the Verse

• Relationship risk: friendship itself is discouraged.

• Moral risk: you can “learn his ways.”

• Spiritual risk: those learned ways “set a snare for your soul.”

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How These Dangers Unfold

• Escalating conflict

– Proverbs 29:22: “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.”

• Contagious habits

– 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

• Damaged reputation

– Proverbs 13:20: “The companion of fools will be destroyed.”

• Lost peace and joy

– Proverbs 14:17: “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly.”

• Spiritual entrapment

– Echoed in Proverbs 16:29: “A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.”

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Practical Takeaways

• Guard your circle—distance isn’t lack of love; it’s obedience.

• Model gentleness—Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

• Seek accountability—invite wise believers to speak up if anger begins to rub off.

• Pray for the hot-tempered person from a safe distance, urging them toward repentance.

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Supporting Scripture Snapshot

• James 1:20: “Man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.”

• Ecclesiastes 7:9: “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”

Staying clear of habitual anger protects character, relationships, and—most importantly—the soul.