Proverbs 22

Focus verse: Proverbs 22:24-25
"Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare."

Meaning: Simply, don't associate yourself with people who have a tendency to act out in anger or vengefullness. Anger is a normal human emotion, and it is not a sin to feel angry, however, Ephesians 4:26 tell us "be angry and do not sin." Because of our fallen sin nature, if we act upon our anger, we will end up sinning against God and transgressing against others. This warning is given because even the most righteous man could be brought to shame by spending too much time with someone who lets anger rule his life.

Application: Even if you are not one who is prone to fits of anger, spending time with someone who is could cause you to be more like them, or you could be the victim of their anger, or you could end up making a bad name for yourself through guilt by association. Wrath is considered one of the seven deadly sins, and God takes it very seriously. The Proverbs constantly warn about not being quick to anger and not associating yourself with it. Anger and wrath can only be acted upon properly by one who is ultimately just and ultimately righteous, and we are neither. Anger and wrath in the hands of the unjust and the unrighteous can only lead to strife.