Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

PROVERBS 2:14KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“frowardness” Hebrew H8419 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
  • Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
  • Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

“rejoice” Hebrew H8056 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 16:15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:13 And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.
  • Psalms 126:3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

“delight” Hebrew H1523 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
  • Psalms 89:16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
  • Isaiah 35:2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.