Proverbs 2:15 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 2:15 mean?

Proverbs 2:15 describes people whose lives take dishonest or morally twisted directions, and who stubbornly continue down those harmful paths. The verse highlights the character of those who do not follow wisdom, showing that their actions and choices are intentionally misleading and resistant to correction.

In the context of Proverbs 2, a father is warning his son about the dangers of associating with people who reject wisdom and choose corrupt ways. The verse fits into a larger section describing the benefits of seeking wisdom and the dangers of ignoring it, painting a vivid picture of those who go astray.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 2:15

• "ways" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek, H734): This word means a road, path, or manner of life. Here, it refers to the overall direction or pattern of life these people have chosen.
• "crooked" (עִקֵּשׁ, iqqēsh, H6141): This word often means twisted, distorted, or perverse. It emphasizes that these people's choices are not just wrong but deliberately bent away from what is right.
• "froward" (לֻז, luz, H3868): This word means to turn aside, to be devious or stubbornly contrary. It adds the idea that these people are not just lost but are willfully going in the wrong direction.
• "paths" (מַעְגָּל, ma‘gāl, H4570): This refers to tracks or ruts, the specific routes someone takes. It suggests repeated actions or habits, not just a one-time mistake.

Why Proverbs 2:15 matters

• Proverbs 2:15 clarifies that the people described are not simply making mistakes but are actively choosing and persisting in twisted and harmful ways.
• The verse highlights the importance of recognizing the difference between occasional failure and a settled pattern of resisting what is right.
• In the wider context, this warning helps the reader understand why wisdom is so valuable—it protects from being drawn into these kinds of destructive patterns.