### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻormâh**, represented by `{{H6195}}`, describes a form of trickery or, in a good sense, discretion and prudence. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses, and its meaning is highly dependent on the context, ranging from positive wisdom to negative guile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The dual nature of `{{H6195}}` is clear in its biblical applications. In a positive light, it is a virtue to be sought. The book of Proverbs states that wisdom `{{H2451}}` dwells with **prudence** `{{H6195}}` [[Proverbs 8:12]] and that a key purpose of its teachings is "to give subtilty" to the simple `{{H6612}}` [[Proverbs 1:4]]. Conversely, it is used to describe deception and malicious intent. In Exodus, a man who comes presumptuously `{{H2102}}` to slay his neighbour with **guile** `{{H6195}}` is to be taken from the altar and put to death [[Exodus 21:14]]. It also describes the Gibeonites who worked **wilily** to deceive Joshua [[Joshua 9:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H6195}}` is used:
* `{{H6612}}` **pᵉthîy** (silly (i.e. seducible); foolish, simple(-icity, one)): This word describes those who are intended to receive the positive aspect of `{{H6195}}`. Proverbs aims to give **subtilty** to the simple [[Proverbs 1:4]], and they are called to understand this type of **wisdom** [[Proverbs 8:5]].
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit): This is a key positive association for `{{H6195}}`. In Proverbs, wisdom personified declares, "I wisdom dwell with **prudence**" [[Proverbs 8:12]].
* `{{H2102}}` **zûwd** (to seethe; figuratively, to be insolent; be proud, deal proudly, presume, (come) presumptuously, sod): This term is linked to the negative use of `{{H6195}}`. The law in Exodus speaks of a man who comes **presumptuously** upon his neighbour to kill him with **guile** [[Exodus 21:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6195}}` lies in its distinction between godly wisdom and worldly cunning.
* **A Dual-Faceted Quality:** The word demonstrates that a single trait can be either virtuous or sinful depending on its intent. It can be godly **prudence** dwelling with wisdom [[Proverbs 8:12]] or the sinful **guile** used to commit murder [[Exodus 21:14]].
* **An Element of Wisdom:** In its positive sense, `{{H6195}}` is a characteristic to be acquired. It is something to be given "to the simple" `{{H6612}}` and the "young man" `{{H5288}}`, alongside knowledge `{{H1847}}` and discretion `{{H4209}}` [[Proverbs 1:4]].
* **Consequences of Misuse:** The negative application of `{{H6195}}` carries the most severe consequences. A person who uses **guile** to slay `{{H2026}}` another must be taken from God's altar `{{H4196}}` to die `{{H4191}}`, showing that cleverness used for evil finds no refuge [[Exodus 21:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6195}}` is a multifaceted term that is defined entirely by its application. It can be the praiseworthy prudence associated with wisdom or the condemned guile used for deception and violence. Its use in Proverbs highlights it as a virtue to be learned, while its appearance in Exodus and Joshua serves as a warning against deceit. Ultimately, `{{H6195}}` illustrates the critical biblical distinction between using one's mind for godly discretion versus sinful trickery.
TRV