Proverbs 2:12
To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
Original Language Analysis
לְ֭הַצִּ֣ילְךָ
To deliver
H5337
לְ֭הַצִּ֣ילְךָ
To deliver
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
1 of 6
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ
thee from the way
H1870
מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ
thee from the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
2 of 6
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
מֵ֝אִ֗ישׁ
man from the man
H376
מֵ֝אִ֗ישׁ
man from the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 6
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.Proverbs 13:20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.Proverbs 8:13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.2 Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Historical Context
Reflects covenant community where false prophets and wicked counselors could lead Israel astray. Wisdom tradition equipped believers to discern truth from error, protecting covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What evil influences are you currently vulnerable to that wisdom would help you avoid?
- How do you develop discernment to recognize perverse speech masquerading as wisdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom delivers from the way of evil, from men speaking perverse (tahpukot - twisted, distorted) things. Moral discernment protects from both evil conduct and corrupting influences. The verse emphasizes both active sin and deceptive teaching as dangers wisdom guards against. Understanding truth enables recognition of error; knowing righteousness enables identification of evil. This protective function demonstrates wisdom's practical necessity, not merely academic interest.