Proverbs 2:14

KJV

Who rejoice to do evil, [and] delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

KJV (with Strong's)

Who rejoice {H8056} to do {H6213} evil {H7451}, and delight {H1523} in the frowardness {H8419} of the wicked {H7451};

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 2:14 vividly portrays individuals who have completely inverted their moral compass, finding profound satisfaction and delight not merely in committing evil, but in the very perversity and crookedness of wicked actions. This verse depicts a deeply entrenched spiritual condition where sin is not a struggle to be overcome, but a source of genuine joy and affirmation, highlighting a dangerous departure from the path of wisdom and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the second chapter of Proverbs, a foundational section dedicated to extolling the virtues of wisdom and issuing stern warnings against the seductive perils of folly. The chapter commences with an earnest, paternal call to diligently seek wisdom as a hidden treasure, promising divine protection and discernment for those who embrace her teachings, as outlined in passages like [Proverbs 2:1-9](/proverbs/2-1-9 "Proverbs 2:1-9 - The Call to Wisdom and Its Benefits"). Immediately preceding our verse, the text introduces the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked, specifically warning against "the way of the evil man" and "the man who speaks perverse things," those who "leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness" ([Proverbs 2:12-13](/proverbs/2-12-13 "Proverbs 2:12-13 - Warning Against Perverse Men")). Proverbs 2:14 then functions as a chilling elaboration on the internal disposition and character of these wicked individuals, revealing the depth of their moral corruption. The subsequent verses continue to describe the destructive dangers associated with such people, particularly the "strange woman" or adulteress, thereby emphasizing the severe consequences of straying from wisdom's life-giving path ([Proverbs 2:15-19](/proverbs/2-15-19 "Proverbs 2:15-19 - The Dangers of the Adulteress")). Thus, Proverbs 2:14 serves as a critical and vivid descriptor of the moral state of those whom the reader is emphatically exhorted to avoid.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, a genre prevalent across cultures like Egypt and Mesopotamia. In Israel, however, this wisdom was uniquely grounded in the "fear of the Lord" and the covenant relationship between God and His people. Education, primarily imparted from father to son within the family unit, focused intensely on practical righteousness and moral instruction, aiming to cultivate individuals who could live flourishing lives in harmony with God's law and within the community. The "ways" or "paths" mentioned throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life") are not mere metaphors; they refer to one's entire conduct, moral trajectory, and life choices. The warnings against "evil men" and "strange women" were not abstract philosophical concepts but reflected very real societal threats to moral order, familial integrity, and communal well-being. A society's stability and prosperity were believed to depend heavily on individuals adhering to established moral norms and divine statutes. Therefore, those who "rejoice to do evil" represented a profound subversion of these foundational principles, posing a direct and existential threat to the integrity of the family and the broader Israelite community, undermining the very fabric of their divinely ordained social structure.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme powerfully highlighted in Proverbs 2:14 is the **perversion of joy**. Instead of finding joy and satisfaction in God's law, righteous living, or the pursuit of truth, these individuals find perverse pleasure in wickedness. This signifies a deep moral inversion, where the natural human aversion to evil is replaced by an active embrace and even celebration of it. This ties directly into the broader theme of **moral depravity**, illustrating a state where one's conscience is seared, and the fundamental distinction between right and wrong is not merely blurred but actively reversed. The verse also serves to underscore the **stark contrast between wisdom and folly**, which is the overarching thematic framework of [Proverbs Chapter 2](/proverbs/2 "Proverbs Chapter 2 - The Value of Wisdom"). Wisdom leads to discernment, divine protection, and abundant life, while the path described in Proverbs 2:14 leads inexorably to self-destruction, spiritual darkness, and ultimately, death. This contrast emphasizes the critical, life-altering choice presented to the reader: to pursue the straight, upright paths of righteousness or to delight in the crooked, perverse ways of the wicked.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmêach'_):** This word signifies a state of being "blithe or gleeful; (be) glad, joyful, (making) merry((-hearted), -ily), rejoice(-ing)." It denotes a deep, internal state of gladness and merriment, suggesting more than a fleeting emotion; it is a settled disposition. The chilling implication is that the act of doing evil brings genuine, heartfelt pleasure to these individuals. This reveals a profound moral corruption where the natural human response to wrongdoing (remorse, guilt) is replaced by an active sense of satisfaction and even exuberance.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term, meaning "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil," encompasses both natural calamities and, more significantly in this context, moral wickedness. It refers to that which is morally corrupt, harmful, and fundamentally contrary to God's character and His righteous law. The fact that the wicked "rejoice to do" this _raʻ_ underscores their active participation in, and pleasure derived from, morally depraved acts, highlighting their intentional embrace of sin.
* **frowardness (Hebrew, _tahpukâh'_):** Meaning "a perversity or fraud; (very) froward(-ness, thing), perverse thing," this term describes that which is twisted, crooked, or morally inverted. It refers to actions, thoughts, or dispositions that are contrary to what is right, just, and straightforward. To "delight in the frowardness of the wicked" means to find pleasure in the moral crookedness, deception, and perversion that characterizes ungodly individuals, indicating a complete and active embrace of moral anarchy and a rejection of divine order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who rejoice to do evil":** This initial clause profoundly describes a disturbing characteristic of the wicked: they find genuine, internal joy and gladness in actively committing morally wrong and harmful deeds. Their actions are not born of weakness, compulsion, or ignorance, but from a heart that celebrates wickedness. This signifies a complete and willful inversion of the moral order, where what should cause grief, shame, or repentance instead brings perverse pleasure and satisfaction.
* **"and delight in the frowardness of the wicked":** This second clause deepens and intensifies the description, indicating that their perverted joy extends beyond their own actions to the moral crookedness, deception, and perversity of others who share their disposition. They find satisfaction, affirmation, and even celebration in the twisted, deceptive, and morally inverted ways of fellow evildoers. This suggests a communal aspect to their depravity, where wickedness is not only tolerated but affirmed, reinforced, and even celebrated within their circle, further cementing their destructive path.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 2:14 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark and unsettling message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and delight in the frowardness of the wicked") does not merely repeat but reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("Who rejoice to do evil"). Both phrases convey the core idea of finding pleasure in moral corruption, with "delight" amplifying the sense of "rejoice" and "frowardness of the wicked" specifying the perverse nature of the "evil." This emphatic repetition underscores the depth and settled nature of the moral depravity being described. The verse also utilizes a form of **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme nature of this spiritual condition; it's not merely a passive tolerance for evil, but an active, exuberant, and shocking embrace, which serves to highlight the severity of this moral inversion. Furthermore, there is a powerful implied **Contrast** with the path of wisdom, which is the overarching theme of [Proverbs Chapter 2](/proverbs/2 "Proverbs Chapter 2 - The Pursuit of Wisdom and Its Rewards"). While wisdom leads to uprightness, discernment, and true joy in righteousness, the wicked find their joy in its antithesis, illustrating the fundamental divergence of these two paths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 2:14 unveils a terrifying theological reality: the human capacity for radical moral depravity, where the heart becomes so hardened and perverted that it finds joy in what is inherently destructive, deceitful, and contrary to God's holy character. This is not merely a lapse in judgment or a moment of weakness, but a settled disposition of the soul, a profound spiritual blindness that actively celebrates darkness rather than seeking light. It speaks to the ultimate consequence of persistently rejecting divine wisdom and embracing folly, leading to a state where one's moral compass is utterly inverted, calling evil good and good evil. This condition is a stark warning against the insidious and progressive nature of sin, which, if left unchecked and unrepented of, can transform the very source of sorrow, guilt, and destruction into a fount of perverse pleasure and affirmation.

* [Romans 1:32](/romans/1-32 "Romans 1:32 - Approving of Others' Sin")
* [Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Walk")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound warning and a piercing call to vigilant self-examination for every individual. It compels us to honestly assess the deepest inclinations of our own hearts: Do we ever find a secret thrill, a perverse satisfaction, or even subtle amusement in gossip, in the misfortunes or downfall of others, or in actions that we know are contrary to God's revealed will? Do we, perhaps subtly, delight in the "frowardness" of those who mock righteousness, champion what is morally twisted, or celebrate cultural trends that defy God's standards? The profound danger highlighted here is not just in committing evil, but in the internal disposition that finds pleasure and affirmation in it. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that truly grieves over sin—both our own and that of the world—and finds its true, unadulterated joy exclusively in righteousness, truth, and the holy ways of God. It also provides a crucial lens for discerning character: those who consistently celebrate, find humor in, or actively promote what is morally corrupt are on a dangerous path and should be approached with extreme caution, if not avoided, as their influence can be profoundly detrimental to one's own spiritual and moral well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be tempted to find amusement, satisfaction, or even a sense of belonging in things that are morally questionable or outright evil?**
* **How does my genuine, internal reaction to sin—both my own and that of others—reflect the true condition of my heart? Do I grieve over it, remain indifferent, or worse, find a perverse amusement in it?**
* **What practical steps can I actively take to cultivate a heart that delights solely in God's wisdom, His righteous commands, and His holy character, thereby counteracting any inclination towards finding joy in wickedness?**

### FAQ
**What does "frowardness" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In [Proverbs 2:14](/proverbs/2-14 "Proverbs 2:14 - The Meaning of Frowardness"), "frowardness" translates the Hebrew word _tahpukâh_ (H8419), which literally conveys the idea of "perversity," "subversion," "crookedness," or "a perverse thing." It describes actions, attitudes, or moral principles that are twisted, distorted, or fundamentally contrary to what is right, just, and straightforward according to God's design. It's not merely a mistake, a stumble, or an unintentional error, but a deliberate turning away from the straight path, an embrace of what is morally inverted and deceptive. To "delight in the frowardness" means to find genuine pleasure and satisfaction in this moral crookedness, deviation from truth, and active subversion of righteousness.

**Is it possible for a true believer to "rejoice to do evil"?**

Answer: While a true believer, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, possesses a regenerated heart that genuinely desires righteousness ([Romans 7:22](/romans/7-22 "Romans 7:22 - Delight in God's Law")) and grieves over sin, the Bible also warns about the persistent struggle with the flesh and the deceitfulness of the human heart, even for the redeemed ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")). A genuine believer, by definition of their new creation in Christ, would not find inherent _joy_ in committing evil or delight in the _frowardness_ of the wicked as a settled, defining disposition of their soul, for that would contradict the very nature of their spiritual rebirth. However, believers can be tempted, can fall into sin, and can even become desensitized to certain sins if they are not vigilant, continually walking in the Spirit, and seeking God's wisdom and repentance ([Hebrews 3:12-13](/hebrews/3-12-13 "Hebrews 3:12-13 - The Deceitfulness of Sin")). This verse serves as a stark and sobering warning to all, urging constant self-examination, dependence on God's grace, and a fervent pursuit of a heart that delights in righteousness alone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 2:14, with its chilling portrayal of those who rejoice in evil and delight in perversity, finds its ultimate contrast and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the perfect antithesis of all wickedness. While the wicked find their joy and affirmation in darkness, Jesus is the [Light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who came to expose the deeds of darkness and to call humanity into His marvelous and transforming light ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness Contrasted")). He did not come to delight in evil or to participate in perversity; rather, He came specifically to [destroy the works of the devil](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil") and to offer a path of redemption out of the very depravity so vividly described in Proverbs. Christ's life was one of perfect, unblemished righteousness, and His ultimate act of sacrificial love on the cross was to bear the full weight of human evil and its consequences, so that all who believe in Him might be [freed from the dominion of sin](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Freed from Sin's Dominion") and no longer find joy or delight in its perversions. Through the indwelling power of His Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to [hate what is evil and cling passionately to what is good](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Hate Evil, Cling to Good"), transforming their deepest desires from delighting in frowardness to rejoicing in the truth and walking in the glorious [newness of life](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ") that only He provides.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.