Proverbs 14:2 kjv

He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

Proverbs 14:2 nkjv

He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.

Proverbs 14:2 niv

Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

Proverbs 14:2 esv

Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways despises him.

Proverbs 14:2 nlt

Those who follow the right path fear the LORD;
those who take the wrong path despise him.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 2 Meaning

Proverbs 14:2 illustrates a fundamental connection between a person's character, their behavior, and their disposition toward the Lord. It states that individuals whose lives are marked by integrity and honesty, who walk in a morally straight path, demonstrate true reverence for God. Conversely, those who are deceptive and crooked in their actions reveal a deep-seated contempt or disdain for God, regardless of their outward profession. This verse establishes that one's inner spiritual attitude toward the Lord is inevitably manifested in their practical, day-to-day conduct and life choices.

Proverbs 14 2 Context

Proverbs chapter 14 belongs to the second main collection of Solomon's proverbs (Prov 10:1-22:16), which primarily consists of individual, antithetical parallelism proverbs. These verses often contrast two types of individuals—the wise/righteous and the foolish/wicked—and their corresponding behaviors, outcomes, and inner character. This specific verse (14:2) stands as a foundational statement regarding spiritual alignment and its practical manifestation. It is presented as a clear antithesis, directly pitting two lifestyles against each other and showing how each is intrinsically tied to one's relationship (or lack thereof) with God. The immediate surrounding verses also maintain this dualistic theme, comparing and contrasting paths, emphasizing the discernment that leads to life or destruction. Historically, the audience for Proverbs would have been primarily young men, instructing them on the wisdom needed to live a righteous and prosperous life in ancient Israel, anchoring moral conduct in theological understanding. The book's teachings stand in polemic opposition to any belief system that separates true spirituality from ethical behavior.

Proverbs 14 2 Word analysis

• Whoever walks: The Hebrew verb is hālaḵ (הָלַךְ), signifying a continuous lifestyle or course of action, not merely an isolated incident. It speaks to the consistent direction and conduct of one's life.
• in uprightness: The Hebrew noun is yōsher (יֹ֫שֶׁר), related to the root yāšar, meaning straight, right, level, or pleasing. It refers to moral integrity, honesty, straightforwardness, and sincerity in both intention and action, without deviation or deception.
• fears: The Hebrew noun is yirʾāh (יִרְאָה), often translated as fear. However, in this biblical context, it denotes a profound sense of awe, reverence, respect, and worship toward the Lord, combined with a recognition of His sovereignty and a desire to obey His commands. It's the proper, reverent disposition of a creature toward its Creator.
• the Lord: Refers to Yahweh (יְהוָה), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with His people and His authority as their ultimate sovereign.
• but he who is devious: The Hebrew verb nillaʿaǧ (נִלְאָג) is derived from lāʿag, meaning to scoff, mock, stammer, or treat with contempt. It implies twisted, perverse, and perhaps scornful ways, suggesting deliberate malice or a contemptuous attitude that results in crooked dealings. This isn't just a deviation but an active, internal disdain that surfaces in conduct.
• in his ways: As with "walks," darkaw (דַּרְכָּו) signifies one's paths, habits, plans, and overall conduct or lifestyle.
• despises: The Hebrew verb bûz (בּוּז) means to disdain, hold in contempt, scorn, or despise. It denotes a deliberate act of treating something or someone as worthless or beneath one's regard. In this context, it's an active rejection or disregard for God's authority and wisdom.
• him: Referring directly back to "the Lord," indicating that the contempt is directed specifically at God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Whoever walks in uprightness: This phrase defines a person whose entire life direction, moral choices, and practical conduct are consistently characterized by honesty, integrity, and adherence to what is right. It speaks of a lifestyle marked by internal truthfulness.
• fears the Lord: This indicates that the upright walk is not merely an ethical choice but is rooted in a profound reverence and awe for God. This "fear" acts as the motivation and wellspring for their integrity, demonstrating that their righteousness stems from a proper relationship with their Creator.
• but he who is devious in his ways: This contrasts sharply by describing someone whose life is marked by crookedness, deceit, and perversion. Their methods are dishonest, their intentions are suspect, and their actions deviate from moral rectitude.
• despises him: This reveals the underlying spiritual posture of the devious person. Their crooked behavior is a manifestation of a fundamental scorn or contempt for God Himself, His standards, and His authority. Their deviousness is a direct act of dishonoring God.

Proverbs 14 2 Bonus section

The contrasting structure of Proverbs 14:2, characteristic of many Proverbs, functions as a powerful pedagogical tool. It's not merely stating two facts, but actively presenting a choice, an inescapable consequence, and an underlying spiritual truth. The verse implicitly highlights that while human eyes may only see outward behavior, God sees the heart (1 Sam 16:7) and the underlying disposition towards Him. Thus, genuine uprightness is never merely performative but springs from a deep reverence, transforming a person's entire trajectory. Conversely, even seemingly clever deceptions ultimately stem from, and expose, a heart that has little respect for the Divine Judge. This demonstrates the Bible's consistent emphasis on the unity of belief and practice; orthodoxy (right belief) must lead to orthopraxy (right action).

Proverbs 14 2 Commentary

Proverbs 14:2 succinctly captures a vital principle: true religious devotion is inseparable from ethical conduct. It dispels the notion that one can claim to honor God while living a life of deceit or dishonesty. The verse establishes two clear, opposing archetypes: the "upright walker" whose entire being aligns with truth and reverence for God, and the "devious person" whose crooked path reveals a fundamental contempt for the divine. The fear of the Lord (reverence, awe, obedience) is portrayed as the internal engine that drives genuine integrity and a life pleasing to God. Conversely, the absence of this reverence—or worse, its opposite in disdain—manifests in perverse and deceptive ways. This Proverb highlights that actions are not arbitrary; they are telling indicators of one's deepest heart orientation towards the Almighty. Practically, an individual who conducts their business dealings with honesty and integrity (e.g., using accurate weights, fair prices, keeping promises) exemplifies fearing the Lord, even in mundane tasks. Conversely, someone who consistently cuts corners, manipulates truths, or cheats others in their daily life, implicitly or explicitly, shows that they have little regard for God's righteousness or His commandments.