Proverbs 2:13
Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
Original Language Analysis
אָרְח֣וֹת
the paths
H734
אָרְח֣וֹת
the paths
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
2 of 6
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
לָ֝לֶ֗כֶת
H1980
לָ֝לֶ֗כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Proverbs 4:19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.Proverbs 21:16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Historical Context
In Solomon's era, Israel faced constant temptation from surrounding nations practicing idolatry and immorality. The 'straight paths' referred to Torah's ethical standards, while 'darkness' metaphorically described pagan practices lacking moral illumination from God's revealed law.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'straight paths' might you be tempted to leave for seemingly attractive but morally compromised alternatives?
- How does abandoning God's wisdom in one area of life tend to affect other areas?
- In what ways does modern culture present darkness as enlightenment and crookedness as liberation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The way of the wicked diverges from righteousness into darkness. The Hebrew 'derek yosher' (straight paths) contrasts with moral crookedness. Those who abandon divine wisdom inevitably abandon moral clarity, choosing paths characterized by ethical confusion and spiritual blindness. This illustrates the practical consequences of rejecting wisdom - not merely intellectual error but moral corruption that perverts one's entire life trajectory.