The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him;This phrase highlights the self-destructive nature of sin. In biblical context, "iniquities" refer to moral perversity or sinfulness. The imagery of being "entrapped" suggests a snare or trap, a common metaphor in Scripture for the consequences of sin (
Psalm 9:15-16). The idea is that sin is not just an external act but a condition that leads to one's downfall. Historically, traps were used for hunting, and this metaphor would resonate with an ancient audience familiar with the dangers of being caught unawares. Theologically, this reflects the principle of sowing and reaping found in
Galatians 6:7-8, where one's actions inevitably lead to consequences.
the cords of his sin entangle him.
The "cords" symbolize the binding and restrictive nature of sin. In ancient times, cords or ropes were used to bind prisoners, indicating a loss of freedom. This imagery suggests that sin, while initially appearing to offer freedom or pleasure, ultimately leads to bondage. The concept of being "entangled" is echoed inHebrews 12:1, which warns believers to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of liberation from sin through Christ, who offers freedom from the bondage of sin (John 8:34-36). The entanglement of sin is a reminder of the need for divine intervention and redemption, pointing to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
The Wicked ManRepresents individuals who live in opposition to God's commandments, often characterized by sinful behavior and moral corruption.
3.
The Path of SinWhile not a physical place, it is a metaphorical journey that leads individuals away from righteousness and into spiritual bondage.
Teaching Points
The Nature of SinSin is not just an act but a binding force that entraps and enslaves. Recognizing this helps believers understand the seriousness of sin and the need for vigilance.
Consequences of WickednessThe verse warns that wickedness leads to self-destruction. Understanding this can motivate believers to pursue righteousness and avoid sinful paths.
The Illusion of Freedom in SinSin often presents itself as freedom or pleasure, but it ultimately leads to bondage. Believers should seek true freedom in Christ, who breaks the chains of sin.
The Importance of RepentanceRecognizing the entrapment of sin should lead to repentance and a turning back to God. Repentance is the first step towards breaking free from the cords of sin.
Guarding the HeartProverbs 5:22 encourages believers to guard their hearts and minds against sin, understanding that small compromises can lead to greater entanglement.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 5:22?
2.How does Proverbs 5:22 illustrate the consequences of unrepentant sin in our lives?
3.What does "cords of his sin" suggest about habitual sin's impact on freedom?
4.How can we apply Proverbs 5:22 to resist temptation in daily life?
5.What other scriptures warn against being ensnared by sin's consequences?
6.How can accountability help prevent the entrapment described in Proverbs 5:22?
7.How does Proverbs 5:22 illustrate the consequences of sin in one's life?
8.What is the historical context of Proverbs 5:22 in ancient Israelite society?
9.How does Proverbs 5:22 relate to the concept of free will and personal responsibility?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 5?
11.What does 'Iniquity of the Fathers' mean?
12.Psalm 107:17–18 – Does the claim that sin directly causes physical suffering conflict with other biblical passages (e.g., John 9:2–3) and with modern medical knowledge?
13.In Job 22:5, Eliphaz accuses Job of great wickedness, yet Job 1:1 calls him blameless; how do we resolve this apparent contradiction?
14.Proverbs 18:5: How is it consistent to condemn favoring the wicked when biblical heroes like David or Paul committed serious wrongs yet received mercy?What Does Proverbs 5:22 Mean
The iniquities• “Iniquities” speaks of deliberate, repeated offenses against God. Scripture treats these not as minor slip-ups but as serious breaches that leave a mark on the soul (Isaiah 59:2: “your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God”).
• They are personal choices; no one drifts into iniquity accidentally.Numbers 32:23 echoes, “be sure your sin will find you out”, stressing accountability.
• Sin is therefore not merely an external act—it is a moral burden each person carries (Psalm 38:4).
of a wicked man• “Wicked” identifies the person whose heart is set against God’s ways (Proverbs 4:19: “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness”).
• This is not an occasional sinner repentant before the Lord but one who persists in rebellion (Romans 2:5).
• His character shapes his destiny; Jesus warns that “every tree is known by its own fruit” (Luke 6:44).
entrap him• Sin never grants freedom; it lays a snare.Proverbs 11:6 says, “the unfaithful are trapped by their evil desires”.
• What begins as a choice soon becomes a cage.Galatians 6:7–8 reminds us that “God is not mocked… the one who sows to please his flesh… will reap destruction”.
• The picture is of a hunter’s trap suddenly snapping shut—the sinner finds himself caught by what he thought he controlled.
the cords of his sin• “Cords” evoke ropes wound tighter with every act of disobedience.Isaiah 5:18 portrays those who “pull iniquity with cords of deceit”.
• Each decision to sin adds another strand, strengthening bondage. Jesus states plainly, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34).
• These cords are self-made; no outside force ties them.
entangle him• The final image is of complete immobilization—sin wraps around, limiting movement, vision, and hope.Hebrews 12:1 warns believers to “lay aside every sin that so easily entangles”.
• Entanglement leads to deeper confusion and despair (2 Peter 2:20).
• Freedom is found only when those cords are cut by repentance and faith in Christ, who “sets prisoners free” (Psalm 146:7).
summaryProverbs 5:22 paints sin as a self-forged trap: deliberate iniquities tighten into cords that immobilize the unrepentant. The verse calls us to recognize sin’s enslaving power, turn to the Lord before the cords harden, and walk in the liberty that obedience to His Word provides.
(22, 23)
His own iniquities. . .--The final scene in the life of the profligate is here described. He has sinned so long that he is "tied and bound," hand and foot, with the "chain of his sins," and cannot get free even had he the wish to do so.
Verses 22, 23. -
The fearful end of the adulterer. From the universal statement of God's omniscience and the Divine judgment, the teacher passes to the fate of the profligate. His end is inevitable ruin and misery. The deep moral lesson conveyed is that sin carries with it its own Nemesis. Adultery and impurity, like all sin of which they are forms, are retributive. The career of the adulterer is a career begun, continued, and ended in folly (comp.
Proverbs 1:31, 32;
Proverbs 2:5;
Proverbs 18:7;
Proverbs 29:6; and
Psalm 9:15).
Verse 22. -
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself;i.e. his manifold sins shall overtake and arrest him. The imagery is borrowed from the snare of the fowler. The emphatic form of the original, "His sins shall overtake him, the impious man," point conclusively to the adulterer. It is "his" sins that shall overtake him, not those of another, and they shall fall upon his own head; and further, his character is depicted in the condemning clause, "the impious man;" for such he is.
Shall take. The verb
lakad is literally "to take or catch animals in a snare or net," properly "to strike with a net." The wicked man becomes entangled and caught in his own sins; he is struck down and captured by them, just as the prey is struck by the snare of the fowler. The verb is, of course, used metaphorically, as in
Job 5:13.
The wicked (Hebrew,
eth-harasa); in the original introduced as explanatory of the object, "him."
And he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. The Authorized Version follows the LXX. and Vulgate in rendering "his sins," instead of the original "his sin" (
khattatho). It is not so much every sin of man which shall hold him, though this is true, as the particular sin treated of in the address, viz. adultery, which shall do this. The expression, "the cords of his sin" (Hebrew,
khavley khattatho), means the cords which his sin weaves around him. Nothing else will be requisite to bind and hold him fast for punishment (cf. "cords of vanity," in
Isaiah 5:18).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The iniquitiesעַֽווֹנוֹתָ֗יו(‘a·wō·w·nō·w·ṯāw)Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquityof a wicked manהָרָשָׁ֑ע(hā·rā·šā‘)Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personentrap him;יִלְכְּדֻנ֥וֹ(yil·kə·ḏu·nōw)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular, Paragogic nun
Strong's 3920:To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to coherethe cordsיִתָּמֵֽךְ׃(yit·tā·mêḵ)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2256:A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruinof his own sinחַ֝טָּאת֗וֹ(ḥaṭ·ṭā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2403:An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offenderentangle him.וּבְחַבְלֵ֥י(ū·ḇə·ḥaḇ·lê)Conjunctive waw, Preposition | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8551:To sustain, to obtain, keep fast, to help, follow close
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 5:22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare (Prov. Pro Pr) 
