Proverbs 2:14
Proverbs 2:14 in Multiple Translations
from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil,
Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
Who rejoice to do evil, And delight in the perverseness of evil;
Who take pleasure in wrongdoing, and have joy in the evil designs of the sinner;
They happily do wrong; they love how twisted evil is.
Which reioyce in doing euill, and delite in the frowardnesse of the wicked,
Who are rejoicing to do evil, They delight in frowardness of the wicked,
who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perverseness of evil,
Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
Who are glad when they have done evil, and rejoice in most wicked things:
They enjoy doing what is wrong; they like to do what is evil and to deceive people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 2:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ֭/שְּׂמֵחִים
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
רָ֑ע
יָ֝גִ֗ילוּ
בְּֽ/תַהְפֻּכ֥וֹת
רָֽע
הַ֭/שְּׂמֵחִים
sâmêach
H8056
glad
Art | Adj
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
יָ֝גִ֗ילוּ
gîyl
H1523
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בְּֽ/תַהְפֻּכ֥וֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
perversity
Prep | N-fp
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 2:14
הַ֭/שְּׂמֵחִים
sâmêach
H8056
"glad"
Art | Adj
This word describes someone who is joyful or glad, like the Psalmist in Psalm 100:1, who invites all to rejoice and be glad in the Lord.
Definition: 1) joyful, merry, glad 1a) joyful, showing joy 1b) you who rejoice (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be) glad, joyful, (making) merry((-hearted), -ily), rejoice(-ing). See also: Deuteronomy 16:15; Esther 5:14; Psalms 35:26.
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
יָ֝גִ֗ילוּ
gîyl
H1523
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to rejoice or be glad, often expressing strong emotions like joy or fear, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, exult, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to tremble (from fear)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:31; Proverbs 23:25; Psalms 2:11.
בְּֽ/תַהְפֻּכ֥וֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
"perversity"
Prep | N-fp
This word means being stubborn or disobedient, often in a harmful way. It describes actions that go against God's will, like in Deuteronomy where it warns against turning away from God. In Proverbs, it talks about the dangers of a perverse heart.
Definition: perversity, perverse thing
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (very) froward(-ness, thing), perverse thing. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 10:31; Proverbs 2:12.
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 2:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 2:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:14
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:14
- Sermons on Proverbs 2:14
Context — The Benefits of Wisdom
12to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity,
13from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness,
14from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil,
15whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious. 16It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive wordsCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 1:32 | Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:23 | The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 11:15 | What right has My beloved in My house, having carried out so many evil schemes? Can consecrated meat avert your doom, so that you can rejoice? |
| 4 | Luke 22:4–5 | And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 13:6 | Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. |
| 6 | Hosea 7:3 | They delight the king with their evil, and the princes with their lies. |
| 7 | Zephaniah 3:11 | On that day you will not be put to shame for any of the deeds by which you have transgressed against Me. For then I will remove from among you those who rejoice in their pride, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 1:15 | The foe pulls all of them up with a hook; he catches them in his dragnet, and gathers them in his fishing net; so he rejoices gladly. |
Proverbs 2:14 Summary
This verse in Proverbs 2:14 is warning us about the danger of being around people who love to do bad things and think it's funny or exciting (as seen in Psalms 1:1, where we are told to avoid the counsel of the wicked). When we enjoy doing evil or laugh at sinful behavior, it can lead us down a path of destruction (Proverbs 2:13). God wants us to turn away from evil and do good, as we are told in Psalms 34:14. By following God's ways and surrounding ourselves with people who love Him, we can stay on the right path and avoid the harm that comes from rejoicing in evil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'enjoy doing evil' in Proverbs 2:14?
This phrase refers to taking pleasure in wicked or sinful actions, which is contrary to God's will as expressed in Psalms 34:14, where we are commanded to 'turn away from evil and do good'
How can someone 'rejoice in the twistedness of evil'?
This occurs when an individual finds delight in the corrupt or distorted nature of evil, which is a sign of a hardened heart, as warned against in Romans 1:28-32, where people are given over to a depraved mind
Is it possible to be influenced by those who enjoy doing evil without realizing it?
Yes, this is possible, which is why Proverbs 22:24-25 cautions against befriending people with bad tempers, lest we learn their ways and get caught in their snare
What is the twistedness of evil, and why is it so harmful?
The twistedness of evil refers to the corrupt and distorted nature of sin, which can lead people astray and cause them to engage in destructive behaviors, as seen in Isaiah 5:20, where calling good evil and evil good is condemned
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be unknowingly enjoying or participating in evil, and how can I turn away from it?
- How can I recognize when someone is rejoicing in the twistedness of evil, and what should my response be?
- What are some practical steps I can take to avoid the influence of those who enjoy doing evil, and to instead surround myself with people who love and follow God?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart that grieves over evil, rather than rejoicing in it, and how can I use my influence to point others to God's truth and love?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:14
Who rejoice to do evil,.... At the doing of it, or when they have done it; they are glad of an opportunity of doing mischief, and glory when they have done it; it is a sport and pastime to them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:14
Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Who rejoice to do evil, (and) delight in the frowardness of the wicked - (Proverbs 10:23; Isaiah 3:9; Jeremiah 11:15.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:14
Who rejoice to do evil; seeking and embracing occasions of sin with diligence and greediness, and pleasing themselves both in the practice and remembrance of sin; whereas upright men abhor and watch against all occasions of sin beforehand, and mourn bitterly for it afterwards. Delight in the frowardness of the wicked; not only in their own sins, but in the sins of other wicked men, which shows a greater malignity of mind and love to sin. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:14
Proverbs 2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, [and] delight in the frowardness of the wicked;Ver. 14. Who rejoice to do evil.] It is their meat, drink, sport; they cannot be merry unless the devil be their play fellow. This is reckoned as an aggravation of Jerusalem’ s sin: "When thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest." But better is the sorrow of him that suffereth evil than the jollity of him that doth evil, saith Augustine. Melior est tristitia iniqua patientis quam laetitia iniqua facientis.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:14
(14) Delight in the frowardness of the wicked.—This positive taking pleasure in evil is mentioned by St. Paul (Romans 1:32) as the last stage of degradation.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:14
14. of the wicked] Or, of evil, R.V. text, as in Proverbs 2:12.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:14
13-15. Who leave the paths of uprightness — A description of these evil men, needing no comment. Delighting in the frowardness, the wickedness of the wicked, is one of their worst features. Comp. Psalms 50:17-18; Romans 1:32.
Sermons on Proverbs 2:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hell Would Be the Place of Greatest Pleasure by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that unsanctified individuals find pleasure in unrighteousness and sin, which ultimately leads to their own destruction. He warns that the fleeting joys of |
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(Women) 04. a Wounded Spirit by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the entertainment we consume, particularly in relation to movies and television shows. He warns agains |
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The Glory of God and the Image of Jealousy by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher warns the congregation about the dangers of turning away from God and indulging in sinful behavior. He emphasizes that those who take pleasure in wicke |
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The Development of a Reprobate by James Robison | The video is a sermon transcript that discusses the unnatural affection for material possessions, specifically the desire for a hall. The speaker emphasizes that this desire is not |
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Rom. 1:16-32 -Pt3- the Man Without the Bible by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the constant presence of deception in the world. He urges young people in college to be aware of this and not fall into its trap. The speaker |
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It's Time for Tough Love by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the necessity of tough love in the church, drawing from the Apostle Paul's example of speaking the truth in love. He argues that the current state of the n |
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The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher, Greek Word Studies, delves into the concept of 'dikaioma' in the Bible, which refers to God's declaration of what is right and just, often seen as His decree of retri |