Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
The verse supplies the reason for the command to make no friendship with an angry man and not to go with a furious man. Keeping close company with such a person leads to learning and copying his ways, temper, and habits. That imitation becomes a snare that entangles and endangers one's own soul and inner life. Because anger spreads by influence, avoidance of such companionship is required for safety.
In particular, entering a business partnership with a man ruled by anger risks drawing his associate into the same harmful conduct. The warning stands alongside the assurance that the Lord himself defends the poor and afflicted and punishes those who robbed them.
The verse supplies the reason for the command to make no friendship with an angry man and not to go with a furious man. Keeping close company with such a person leads to learning and copying his ways, temper, and habits. That imitation becomes a snare that entangles and endangers one's own soul and inner life. Because anger spreads by influence, avoidance of such companionship is required for safety.
In particular, entering a business partnership with a man ruled by anger risks drawing his associate into the same harmful conduct. The warning stands alongside the assurance that the Lord himself defends the poor and afflicted and punishes those who robbed them.