Proverbs 19:3
The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֭דָם
of man
H120
אָ֭דָם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 8
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
תְּסַלֵּ֣ף
perverteth
H5557
תְּסַלֵּ֣ף
perverteth
Strong's:
H5557
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to wrench, i.e., (figuratively) to subvert
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
his way
H1870
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
his way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
against the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Reflects the pattern seen from Eden onward - humans blame God for consequences of their own folly. Israel repeatedly followed this pattern, suffering for covenant violation yet complaining against God.
Questions for Reflection
- What self-inflicted problems are you currently blaming God for rather than taking responsibility?
- How does your 'fretting against the LORD' reveal unrepentant foolishness in your heart?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The foolishness of man perverts his way, and his heart frets against the LORD. Human folly distorts one's path, yet instead of acknowledging fault, the fool blames God. The verb 'perverts' (saleph - overturns, ruins) indicates self-destruction through foolishness. Rather than repenting, the foolish heart 'frets' (za'aph - rages, is vexed) against YHWH. This exposes sin's irrationality - humans ruin themselves then blame God, epitomizing the folly Proverbs condemns.