King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Who rejoice to do evil, [and] delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
Complete Jewish Bible:
who delight in doing evil and take joy in being stubbornly deceitful,
Berean Standard Bible:
from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil,
American Standard Version:
Who rejoice to do evil, And delight in the perverseness of evil;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Who rejoice{H8056} to do{H6213} evil{H7451}, and delight{H1523} in the frowardness{H8419} of the wicked{H7451};
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 10:23
- ¶ [It is] as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
Romans 1:32
- Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Jeremiah 11:15
- What hath my beloved to do in mine house, [seeing] she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.
Luke 22:4
- And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
Luke 22:5
- And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
1 Corinthians 13:6
- Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Zephaniah 3:11
- In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.
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Commentary for Proverbs 2:14
Proverbs 2:14, which reads, "Who rejoice to do evil, [and] delight in the frowardness of the wicked;", is part of a larger wisdom text found in the book of Proverbs in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament. This verse is situated within a passage that discusses the value of wisdom and the pursuit of understanding. The historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israelite society, where wisdom literature played a crucial role in educating individuals and promoting a life lived in accordance with divine principles.
The theme of Proverbs 2:14 centers on the character and fate of those who take pleasure in wickedness. The verse describes individuals who not only commit evil acts but do so with a sense of joy and satisfaction. The term "frowardness" refers to perverse or crooked behavior, indicating a deliberate twisting of what is right and good. This verse serves as a cautionary note within the broader instruction on the pursuit of wisdom, highlighting the folly of those who reject wisdom's path and instead choose a lifestyle characterized by moral corruption and the pursuit of selfish desires.
In the context of the chapter, this verse contrasts sharply with the benefits of seeking wisdom, which include understanding, knowledge, and the ability to discern righteousness, justice, and equity. By depicting the joy of the wicked as misguided, the writer of Proverbs encourages the reader to align themselves with wisdom, which leads to life and favor from God, rather than with folly, which leads to ruin. The verse serves as a moral exhortation to avoid the allure of wickedness and to recognize the ultimate emptiness and danger of a life that celebrates evil.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8056
There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׂמֵחַ
Transliteration: sâmêach
Pronunciation: saw-may'-akh
Description: from שָׂמַח; blithe or gleeful; (be) glad, joyful, (making) merry((-hearted), -ily), rejoice(-ing). - Strong's Number: H6213
There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשָׂה
Transliteration: ʻâsâh
Pronunciation: aw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. - 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.). - Strong's Number: H1523
There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גִּיל
Transliteration: gîyl
Pronunciation: gheel
Description: or (by permutation) גּוּל; a primitive root; properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e. usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear; be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice. - 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.