Proverbs 14:2 - The Wise Woman
New International Version
Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.New Living Translation
Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.English Standard Version
Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways despises him.Berean Standard Bible
He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.King James Bible
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.New King James Version
He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.New American Standard Bible
One who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But one who is devious in his ways despises Him.NASB 1995
He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.NASB 1977
He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is crooked in his ways despises Him.Legacy Standard Bible
He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.Amplified Bible
He who walks in uprightness [reverently] fears the LORD [and obeys and worships Him with profound respect], But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.Christian Standard Bible
Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises him.Holman Christian Standard Bible
Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him. American Standard Version
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah; But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.Contemporary English Version
By living right, you show that you respect the LORD; by being deceitful, you show that you despise him. English Revised Version
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever lives right fears the LORD, but a person who is devious in his ways despises him.Good News Translation
Be honest and you show that you have reverence for the LORD; be dishonest and you show that you do not. International Standard Version
Someone whose conduct is upright fears the LORD, but whoever is devious in his ways despises him.Majority Standard Bible
He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.NET Bible
The one who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is perverted in his ways despises him. New Heart English Bible
He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.Webster's Bible Translation
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.World English Bible
He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Whoever is walking in his uprightness is fearing YHWH, "" And the perverted is despising Him [in] his ways.Young's Literal Translation
Whoso is walking in his uprightness is fearing Jehovah, And the perverted in his ways is despising Him.Smith's Literal Translation
He going in his uprightness will fear Jehovah: and he perverted in his ways, despised him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that walketh in the right way, and feareth God, is despised by him that goeth by an infamous way. Catholic Public Domain Version
One who walks on a virtuous journey, and who fears God, is despised by him who advances along a disreputable way.New American Bible
Those who walk uprightly fear the LORD, but those who are devious in their ways spurn him. New Revised Standard Version
Those who walk uprightly fear the LORD, but one who is devious in conduct despises him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who walks in uprightness has reverence for the LORD; but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He that walks in uprightness is in awe of LORD JEHOVAH and he that is shifty in his way despises him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD; But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth Him.Brenton Septuagint Translation
He that walks uprightly fears the Lord; but he that is perverse in his ways shall be dishonoured.Additional Translations ...
He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the connection between moral integrity and reverence for God. In biblical context, "uprightness" refers to living in accordance with God's commandments and moral laws. The fear of the LORD is a recurring theme in Proverbs, signifying a deep respect and awe for God's authority and holiness. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's power and aligning one's life with His will. The concept of walking in uprightness is echoed in Psalm 1:1-3, where the righteous are compared to a tree planted by streams of water, symbolizing stability and prosperity. Historically, the Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart by their adherence to God's laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6. This phrase also points to the life of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied uprightness and reverence for the Father, serving as the ultimate example for believers.
but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him
This part contrasts the upright with those who are "devious," indicating a life characterized by deceit and moral corruption. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, deviousness was often associated with idolatry and injustice, actions that were seen as direct affronts to God's character. The term "despises" suggests a willful rejection of God's authority and a lack of respect for His commandments. This attitude is condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like Psalm 10:4, where the wicked, in their pride, do not seek God. The devious person is likened to the fool in Proverbs, who rejects wisdom and understanding. This phrase serves as a warning against the dangers of straying from God's path, highlighting the spiritual and moral consequences of such choices. The ultimate fulfillment of this warning is seen in the separation from God that results from persistent rebellion, as illustrated in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.
Persons / Places / Events
1. The Upright Person
Represents those who live with integrity and righteousness, guided by a reverence for God.
2. The Devious Person
Symbolizes individuals who are deceitful and morally corrupt, showing contempt for God.
3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, representing His holiness, justice, and love.
4. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding.
5. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which the Proverbs were written, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and the fear of the LORD.
Teaching Points
The Fear of the LORD as a Guiding Principle
Emphasize that a genuine reverence for God leads to a life of integrity and moral uprightness.
The Consequences of Deviousness
Highlight that living a life of deceit and moral corruption is a reflection of one's disdain for God.
Walking in Uprightness
Encourage believers to examine their daily walk and ensure it aligns with God's standards of righteousness.
The Importance of Integrity
Stress that integrity is not just about outward actions but also about the condition of the heart.
Reflecting God's Character
Challenge believers to reflect God's holiness and righteousness in their interactions with others.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14What does the Bible say about perverseness?What does the Bible say about perverseness?What does reverence for God mean?How does Proverbs 12:2 align with the reality that many upright people throughout history have suffered injustice rather than finding divine favor?
(2) He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord.--Rather, He who fears the Lord walketh in his uprightness. (Comp. John 14:21.) And likewise, "he that despiseth Him is perverse in his ways." The fear of God and its absence are clearly seen in the outward conduct.
Verse 2. - He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord. So the Septuagint. He who lives an upright life does so because he fears the Lord; and his holy conversation is an evidence that he is influenced by religious motives. The outward conduct shows the inward feeling. So he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him - the Lord. A man is evil in his actions because he has cast off the fear of God; and such wickedness is a proof that he has lost all reverence for God and care to please him. Delitzsch renders, "He walketh in his uprightness who feareth Jahve, and perverse in his ways is he that despiseth him;" i.e. the conduct of the two shows the way in which they severally regard God and religion, the former acting conscientiously and uprightly, the latter following his own lusts, which lead him astray. Either interpretation is admissible. Septuagint, "He that walketh in crooked ways (σκολιάζων ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτοῦ) shall he dishonoured." The Vulgate gives quite a different turn to the sentence, "He who walketh in the right way and feareth the Lord is despised by him who pursueth the path of shame." This intimates the hatred which sinners feel for the godly (comp. Job 12:4; and especially Wisd. 2:10-20; and our Lord's warning, John 15:18-21). Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He who walks
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ (hō·w·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk
in uprightness
בְּ֭יָשְׁרוֹ (bə·yā·šə·rōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3476: Straightness, uprightness
fears
יְרֵ֣א (yə·rê)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3373: Fearing, reverent
the LORD,
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
but the one who is devious
וּנְל֖וֹז (ū·nə·lō·wz)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3868: To turn aside, to depart, be perverse
in his ways
דְּרָכָ֣יו (də·rā·ḵāw)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action
despises Him.
בּוֹזֵֽהוּ׃ (bō·w·zê·hū)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 959: To disesteem
Links
Proverbs 14:2 NIV
Proverbs 14:2 NLT
Proverbs 14:2 ESV
Proverbs 14:2 NASB
Proverbs 14:2 KJVProverbs 14:2 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 14:2 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 14:2 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 14:2 French Bible
Proverbs 14:2 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 14:2 He who walks in his uprightness fears (Prov. Pro Pr)