Proverbs 2:15

Whose ways [are] crooked, and [they] froward in their paths:

Whose ways {H734} are crooked {H6141}, and they froward {H3868} in their paths {H4570}:

from those whose tracks are twisted and whose paths are perverse.

whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious.

Who are crooked in their ways, And wayward in their paths:

Commentary

Proverbs 2:15 serves as a vivid warning within a larger discourse on the pursuit of wisdom. It describes the character and conduct of those from whom wisdom aims to protect the listener, specifically individuals whose moral compass is severely distorted.

Context

This verse is part of Proverbs Chapter 2, where a father earnestly implores his son to embrace wisdom and understanding. The chapter details the benefits of wisdom—protection from evil ways and evil people—and contrasts them with the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness. Verse 15 specifically characterizes those who walk in darkness, following verses that speak of being delivered from the "evil man" (Proverbs 2:12) and leading into descriptions of the "strange woman" (Proverbs 2:16). It highlights the inherent perversion of such individuals.

Key Themes

  • Moral Perversion: The primary theme is the deliberate deviation from what is right and just. Their "ways" and "paths" are not merely mistaken but are actively twisted and perverse.
  • Deceit and Unreliability: Individuals described here cannot be trusted. Their actions are inconsistent with truth and integrity, making them dangerous influences.
  • Rejection of Righteousness: This verse implies a willful turning away from the straight and narrow path that wisdom advocates. Their "crooked" nature is a chosen disposition, not an accidental stumble.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses strong imagery:

  • "Crooked" (Hebrew: ʿiqqeš, עִקֵּשׁ): This word means twisted, distorted, perverse. It suggests a moral deformity, a deviation from what is straight or right. It implies deliberate contortion of truth or justice.
  • "Froward" (Hebrew: lûz, לוּז): This term signifies turning aside, deviating, being perverse or unruly. It emphasizes a stubborn and obstinate refusal to follow the correct or moral path. Their "paths" are not just aimless but actively turned away from righteousness.

Practical Application

Proverbs 2:15 calls believers to sharp discernment in their associations and choices:

  • Discernment in Relationships: We are warned to identify and distance ourselves from those whose character is marked by deceit and moral perversion. Their influence can easily lead others astray, just as evil communications corrupt good manners.
  • Commitment to Integrity: The verse is a stark reminder to examine our own "ways" and "paths." Are we walking uprightly, or are there areas where we are becoming "crooked" or "froward"? The call is always to keep our path straight and our intentions pure.
  • Choosing the Right Path: In a world filled with diverse influences, this proverb urges us to cling to the wisdom that leads to life and to avoid the destructive paths of those who reject truth and righteousness. Matthew 7:13-14 similarly contrasts the narrow path of life with the broad way to destruction.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 125:5 (7 votes)

    As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: [but] peace [shall be] upon Israel.

  • Proverbs 21:8 (5 votes)

    ¶ The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right.

  • Deuteronomy 32:5 (4 votes)

    They have corrupted themselves, their spot [is] not [the spot] of his children: [they are] a perverse and crooked generation.

  • Philippians 2:15 (4 votes)

    That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

  • Isaiah 59:8 (3 votes)

    The way of peace they know not; and [there is] no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.

  • Isaiah 30:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

  • Isaiah 30:13 (2 votes)

    Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.