Menu

Proverbs 2:15

Proverbs 2:15 in Multiple Translations

whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious.

Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

Who are crooked in their ways, And wayward in their paths:

Whose ways are not straight, and whose footsteps are turned to evil:

They live crooked lives doing deceitful things.

Whose wayes are crooked and they are lewde in their paths.

Whose paths [are] crooked, Yea, they are perverted in their ways.

who are crooked in their ways, and wayward in their paths,

Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

Whose ways are perverse, and their steps infamous.

They ◄walk on crooked paths/always deceive others► and are always dishonest.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:15

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 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָרְחֹתֵי/הֶ֣ם עִקְּשִׁ֑ים וּ֝/נְלוֹזִ֗ים בְּ/מַעְגְּלוֹתָֽ/ם
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אָרְחֹתֵי/הֶ֣ם ʼôrach H734 way N-cp | Suff
עִקְּשִׁ֑ים ʻiqqêsh H6141 twisted Adj
וּ֝/נְלוֹזִ֗ים lûwz H3868 be devious Conj | V-Niphal
בְּ/מַעְגְּלוֹתָֽ/ם maʻgâl H4570 track Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 2:15

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָרְחֹתֵי/הֶ֣ם ʼôrach H734 "way" N-cp | Suff
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
עִקְּשִׁ֑ים ʻiqqêsh H6141 "twisted" Adj
The Hebrew word for something that is twisted or distorted, and can also refer to someone who is being false or perverse. It is used to describe something that is not straight or honest. The KJV translates it as crooked or froward.
Definition: twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crooked, froward, perverse. See also: Deuteronomy 32:5; Proverbs 8:8; Psalms 18:27.
וּ֝/נְלוֹזִ֗ים lûwz H3868 "be devious" Conj | V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to turn aside or be perverse, like departing from what is right. It appears in the Bible to describe someone who goes against God's ways. In the KJV, it is translated as depart, froward, or perverse.
Definition: 1) to depart, turn aside 1a) (Qal) to depart 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to go wrong, go crooked 1b2) devious, perverse (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to be lost from view 1c2) to become devious
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: depart, froward, perverse(-ness). See also: Proverbs 2:15; Proverbs 4:21; Proverbs 3:21.
בְּ/מַעְגְּלוֹתָֽ/ם maʻgâl H4570 "track" Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a path or track, either physical or figurative. It can also describe a circular rampart or entrenchment. In the Bible, it is translated as path, trench, or way.
Definition: 1) entrenchment, track 1a) circumvallation, entrenchment 1b) track
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: going, path, trench, way(-side). See also: 1 Samuel 17:20; Proverbs 2:15; Psalms 17:5.

Study Notes — Proverbs 2:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 125:5 But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.
2 Proverbs 21:8 The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
3 Philippians 2:15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world
4 Deuteronomy 32:5 His people have acted corruptly toward Him; the spot on them is not that of His children, but of a perverse and crooked generation.
5 Isaiah 59:8 The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace.
6 Isaiah 30:8–13 Go now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the days to come, a witness forever and ever. These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction. They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!” Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says: “Because you have rejected this message, trusting in oppression and relying on deceit, this iniquity of yours is like a breach about to fail, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse will come suddenly— in an instant!

Proverbs 2:15 Summary

This verse is talking about people who are not following God's ways, but instead are choosing their own paths that are twisted and evil. It's like they are walking in darkness, and their ways are not straight or honest. As seen in Proverbs 2:13, this can lead to destruction and separation from God. We can stay on the straight path by following God's word, as seen in Psalm 119:105, and by being mindful of the company we keep and the influences we allow in our life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for paths to be crooked and ways to be devious?

This means that the people being described are not following God's straight paths, but instead are choosing their own twisted and evil ways, as seen in Proverbs 2:13 and Proverbs 2:14, which talk about leaving the straight paths to walk in darkness and enjoying evil.

How can we recognize if we are on a crooked path?

We can recognize if we are on a crooked path by examining our actions and motivations, and comparing them to God's word, as seen in Psalm 119:105, which says that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

What is the result of following crooked paths and devious ways?

The result of following crooked paths and devious ways is destruction and separation from God, as seen in Proverbs 2:16-17, which talks about being rescued from the forbidden woman and the stranger with seductive words.

How can we get back on the straight path if we have been following a crooked one?

We can get back on the straight path by repenting and turning to God, as seen in 1 John 1:9, which says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be following a crooked path or devious way, and how can I realign myself with God's straight paths?
  2. How can I be more mindful of the company I keep and the influences I allow in my life, so that I am not led astray by those who follow crooked paths?
  3. What are some ways that I can practically apply God's word to my daily life, so that I can stay on the straight path and avoid the pitfalls of evil?
  4. How can I be a light to others who may be following crooked paths, and point them to the straight paths of God's word?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:15

Whose ways [are] crooked,.... Which swerve from and are not agreeably to the rule of the divine word, either the law of God or the Gospel of Christ; sin is an aberration, a straying from the rule of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:15

Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: Whose ways are crooked, and (they) froward in their paths.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:15

Whose ways are crooked, or, who make their ways crooked, i.e. whose course of life swerves from the right and straight way of God’ s law.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:15

Proverbs 2:15 Whose ways [are] crooked, and [they] froward in their paths:Ver. 15. Whose ways are crooked.] How justly may God say to such, as the crab in the fable did to the serpent, when he had given him his death’ s wound for his crooked conditions, and then saw him stretch himself out straight, At oportuit sic vixisse: It is too late now, you should have lived so. And who are froward.] Absurd, ’Aôïðïé. Men made up of mere incongruities, solacising in opinion, speeches, actions, all.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:15

15. whose ways, &c.] Rather, with R.V.: Who are crooked in their ways, And perverse in their paths.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:15

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 2:15

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Necessary Divisions by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two passages from the Bible: Philippians chapter 4 and Matthew chapter 13. In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages believers to think about thin
St. John Chrysostom John 5:39-47 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of diligently searching the Scriptures to find eternal life in Christ, rather than merely reading them superficially. He points out that t
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 22): Our Walk in the Presence of the Unsaved by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers. He highlights that God never gives us instructions to live without
Alan Redpath (Sermon Preparation) Lecture 01 by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering that the gospel of Christ is primarily addressed to individuals and its ultimate goal is the salvation of mult
Keith Daniel Are You a Soul Winner by Keith Daniel In this sermon, Brother Denny shares his personal testimony of his father's transformation through God's grace. He describes how his father, who was once broken and miserable, turn
Keith Daniel (Montana) Daniel by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of a believer. He highlights the example of Daniel, who prayed and gave thanks to God t
Erlo Stegen A Godly Example by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good example, especially to young people. He mentions a survey conducted in American jails, which found that over

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate