King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right.
Complete Jewish Bible:
A criminal's conduct is crooked, but the work of the pure is right.
Berean Standard Bible:
The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
American Standard Version:
The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The way{H1870} of man{H376} is froward{H2019} and strange{H2054}: but as for the pure{H2134}, his work{H6467} is right{H3477}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 2:15
- Whose ways [are] crooked, and [they] froward in their paths:
1 Corinthians 3:3
- For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Genesis 6:12
- And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Proverbs 15:26
- ¶ The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words.
1 John 3:3
- And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Daniel 12:10
- Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Job 15:14
- What [is] man, that he should be clean? and [he which is] born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 21:8
Proverbs 21:8, like many proverbs, presents a contrast between two types of individuals—the froward (or perverse) and the pure. The verse reflects a common theme in wisdom literature, which often juxtaposes the paths of the righteous and the wicked. Historically, this proverb would have been part of the instruction given within the context of ancient Hebrew society, where the collective wisdom of the community was distilled into pithy sayings to guide personal conduct and decision-making.
The first part of the verse, "The way of man is froward and strange," suggests that human behavior is often devious and unpredictable. The term "froward" can be understood as stubbornly contrary or twisted, indicating a tendency for people to act in ways that are not straightforward or righteous. "Strange" here may imply behavior that is odd or unfamiliar, possibly diverging from the norms of wisdom and upright living.
In contrast, the second part of the verse, "but as for the pure, his work is right," highlights the integrity and reliability of a righteous individual. The "pure" refers to those who are blameless or clean in their conduct, suggesting a life lived in accordance with divine principles. Their "work" or actions are described as "right," indicating that their deeds are just, proper, and aligned with what is considered morally good.
In summary, Proverbs 21:8 encapsulates the dichotomy between the perverse inclinations of humanity and the upright character of the pure-hearted. It serves as a moral exhortation to avoid deceitful and erratic behavior in favor of a life marked by purity and righteousness. This message would have resonated with the ancient Israelites as a guide for personal ethics and communal responsibility, and it continues to be relevant as a principle for living a life of integrity in the modern world.
*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: 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). - 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. - Strong's Number: H2019
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הֲפַכְפַּךְ
Transliteration: hăphakpak
Pronunciation: haf-ak-pak'
Description: by reduplication from הָפַךְ; very perverse; froward. - Strong's Number: H2054
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: וָזָר
Transliteration: vâzâr
Pronunciation: vaw-zawr'
Description: presumed to be from an unused root meaning to bear guilt; crime; [idiom] strange. - Strong's Number: H2134
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זַךְ
Transliteration: zak
Pronunciation: zak
Description: from זָכַךְ; clear; clean, pure. - Strong's Number: H6467
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פֹּעַל
Transliteration: pôʻal
Pronunciation: po'-al
Description: from פָּעַל; an act or work (concretely); act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. - Strong's Number: H3477
There are 119 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָשָׁר
Transliteration: yâshâr
Pronunciation: yaw-shawr'
Description: from יָשַׁר; straight (literally or figuratively); convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness).