Proverbs 2:14 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 2:14 mean?

Proverbs 2:14 describes people who find joy in doing wrong and take pleasure in the twisted or crooked actions of others. The verse points out a mindset where evil and moral corruption are not just tolerated but actually celebrated.

In Proverbs, a father is advising his son about the dangers of following the wrong crowd. Here, the focus is on those who not only commit evil (wrongdoing) but also enjoy it and encourage it in others. The verse highlights how some people are drawn to wickedness and perversity, making it clear that their hearts are set against what is right.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 2:14

• "rejoice" (שָׂמֵחַ, sameach): This word means to be glad or joyful. In this context, it shows that these people are not reluctantly doing wrong—they are genuinely happy about it.
• "delight" (גִּיל, gil): This word goes beyond simple happiness; it means to exult or to feel a deep sense of pleasure. The verse uses it to emphasize that these people take real satisfaction in the twisted behavior of the wicked.
• "frowardness" (תַּהְפֻּכוֹת, tahpukhot): This word refers to things that are perverse, crooked, or morally twisted. It highlights that the delight is not just in any wrongdoing, but specifically in actions that are deliberately against what is right.
• "wicked" (רַע, ra): This is the standard Hebrew word for evil or wickedness, underlining the moral seriousness of the actions being described.

Why Proverbs 2:14 matters

• Proverbs 2:14 clarifies that some people are not just passively involved in wrongdoing but are actively celebrating it, which is a deeper level of moral danger.
• The verse helps the reader see the importance of choosing companions wisely, since delighting in evil is a sign of a corrupt heart.
• In the wider context of Proverbs 2, this verse warns that wisdom protects a person from being influenced by those who find pleasure in what is wrong, reinforcing the value of moral discernment.