Proverbs 2:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man], from the man that speaketh froward things;

Complete Jewish Bible:

They will save you from the way of evil and from those who speak deceitfully,

Berean Standard Bible:

to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity,

American Standard Version:

To deliver thee from the way of evil, From the men that speak perverse things;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

To deliver^{H5337} thee from the way^{H1870} of the evil^{H7451} man, from the man^{H376} that speaketh^{H1696} froward things^{H8419};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 2:12

Proverbs 2:12 is part of a larger section in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, the wise king of Israel. This verse encapsulates the theme of wisdom as a protective force against moral danger. The historical context of Proverbs is set within the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where the accumulation and transmission of practical knowledge for living a virtuous and successful life were highly valued.

In the verse, the phrase "To deliver thee from the way of the evil man" suggests that wisdom offers a path to avoid the influence and consequences of wicked behavior. The "evil man" refers to individuals who engage in malicious activities and lead others astray. Wisdom, therefore, is personified as a guide or guardian that helps the seeker to discern and steer clear of such destructive paths.

Further, the verse speaks of delivering one from "the man that speaketh froward things." Here, "froward" implies perverse or deceitful speech, which is often characteristic of those who lead others into trouble or sin. The historical context reminds us that in ancient times, as today, false and manipulative speech could lead to social disorder, personal downfall, or even idolatry, which was a significant concern in Israelite society.

In summary, Proverbs 2:12 emphasizes the value of wisdom in the ancient Israelite context, promoting it as a safeguard against the moral corruption that can come from associating with wicked individuals and heeding their destructive counsel. The verse underscores the importance of discernment in choosing one's companions and the need for a moral compass to navigate the complexities of life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5337
   There are 194 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָצַל
   Transliteration: nâtsal
   Pronunciation: naw-tsal'
   Description: a primitive root; to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense; [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out).
   
2. Strong's Number: H1870
   There are 627 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דֶּרֶךְ
   Transliteration: derek
   Pronunciation: deh'-rek
   Description: from דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb; along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever).
   
3. Strong's Number: H7451
   There are 623 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רַע
   Transliteration: raʻ
   Pronunciation: rah
   Description: from רָעַע; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).
   
4. Strong's Number: H376
   There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִישׁ
   Transliteration: ʼîysh
   Pronunciation: eesh
   Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1696
   There are 1050 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָבַר
   Transliteration: dâbar
   Pronunciation: daw-bar'
   Description: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work.
   
6. Strong's Number: H8419
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תַּהְפֻּכָה
   Transliteration: tahpukâh
   Pronunciation: tah-poo-kaw'
   Description: from הָפַךְ; a perversity or fraud; (very) froward(-ness, thing), perverse thing.