|
|
|
Today we have a proverb that warns us to stay away from those who bring false doctrine. When used figuratively in the Bible, thorns identify with unbelief (Isaiah 32:13-15); judgements (Hosea 2:6); pain (Proverbs 26:9); evil (2 Corinthians 12:7) and barroness (Matthew 13:7,22). Here in Proverbs 22:5 thorns identify with the froward which is a spiritual picture of one who brings a false gospel. This harmonizes with Matthew 7 where thorns there also identify with false prophets:
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" - Matthew 7:15,16.
So we see this proverb is a parallel to Matthew 7:15,16. Note the instruction is to keep our soul far from those who bring thorns and snares with false worship and doctrine. True believers should focus on that which is holy and pure. Let us grow in christian virtue:
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - 2 Peter 1:4.
|