Proverbs 21:8
The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
Original Language Analysis
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
H1870
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
2 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אִ֣ישׁ
of man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
of man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 7
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)
Historical Context
The imagery of straight versus crooked paths was common in ancient wisdom literature. Straight paths represented covenant faithfulness and moral integrity, while crooked paths led to destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- Are your paths straight and upright, or crooked and deceptive?
- How does your work ethic and business practice reveal your spiritual condition?
- What does progressive sanctification look like in making your ways increasingly straight?
Analysis & Commentary
The guilty man's way is 'froward' (Hebrew 'haphakpak'—twisted, perverse), contrasted with the pure whose work is 'right' (Hebrew 'yashar'—straight, upright). The wicked's path is crooked, characterized by deception and moral distortion. The pure person walks a straight path of integrity. Reformed theology emphasizes the antithesis between regenerate and unregenerate. The unconverted cannot walk righteously; the converted, though still imperfect, walk increasingly in uprightness through sanctification. Our works reveal our spiritual state.