Proverbs 2:14

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

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

who delight in doing evil and take joy in being stubbornly deceitful,

from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil,

Who rejoice to do evil, And delight in the perverseness of evil;

Commentary

Proverbs 2:14 provides a stark and unsettling description of individuals who have fully embraced a path of moral darkness, finding pleasure in actions that are contrary to God's wisdom.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Proverbs Chapter 2 where wisdom is personified as a guide, and the reader is exhorted to seek her diligently. The chapter highlights the benefits of pursuing wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-9) and warns against the dangers of straying from her paths, particularly by associating with those who walk in wickedness (Proverbs 2:10-19). Verse 14 specifically describes the character of the "evil man" and the "strange woman" mentioned in the preceding verses, painting a picture of their depraved moral compass. It follows the warning in Proverbs 2:12-13 about being delivered from those who speak froward things and leave the paths of uprightness.

Key Themes

  • Perverted Joy in Evil: The most striking theme is the idea of "rejoicing to do evil" and "delighting in the frowardness of the wicked." This isn't merely committing sin out of weakness or temptation, but finding genuine satisfaction and pleasure in it. It indicates a profound moral corruption where right is perceived as wrong and wrong as right.
  • Moral Depravity: This verse describes a deep-seated depravity where one's moral compass is completely inverted. Instead of being grieved by sin, they are gratified by it, and they find common ground with others who exhibit similar moral crookedness. Such individuals actively choose and champion wickedness.
  • The Contrast with Wisdom: The entire chapter of Proverbs 2, including this verse, serves to sharply contrast the path of wisdom with the path of folly and wickedness. Wisdom leads to understanding, discernment, and protection, while the path described in verse 14 leads to destruction and spiritual darkness. Readers are urged to avoid the path of the wicked.

Linguistic Insights

The term "frowardness" in the KJV translates the Hebrew word ืžึทื”ึฐืคึฐึผื›ึนื•ืช (mahpekoth), which literally means "perversities," "subversions," or "crookedness." It describes actions or attitudes that are twisted, morally distorted, or contrary to what is right and just. The delight in "frowardness" implies an embrace of moral inversion, where what is crooked is celebrated, and what is straight is scorned.

Practical Application

Proverbs 2:14 serves as a powerful warning and a call to self-examination:

  • Discernment of Character: It helps us identify those whose influence we should avoid. If someone consistently finds joy in actions that are harmful, dishonest, or morally corrupt, or delights in the twisted ways of others, they are on a dangerous path.
  • Guard Your Heart: This verse reminds us of the importance of guarding our own hearts and minds against the allure of sin. We must be vigilant that we do not begin to find pleasure in what is evil, or even in observing the evil of others. The righteous should mourn over sin, not rejoice in it (Psalm 1:1).
  • The Danger of Approving Evil: The "delight in the frowardness of the wicked" echoes the sentiment found in the New Testament about those who not only commit sin but also "approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:32). It highlights a dangerous spiritual condition where one's moral compass is completely inverted.

The verse urges us to seek and embrace wisdom, which leads us away from such destructive paths and towards righteousness and life.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 10:23 (7 votes)

    ยถ [It is] as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

  • Romans 1:32 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

  • Luke 22:5 (3 votes)

    And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:6 (3 votes)

    Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

  • Zephaniah 3:11 (2 votes)

    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.