Proverbs 14:2
Proverbs 14:2 in Multiple Translations
He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah; But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
He who goes on his way in righteousness has before him the fear of the Lord; but he whose ways are twisted gives him no honour.
Those who live right respect the Lord, but those who live dishonestly despise him.
He that walketh in his righteousnes, feareth the Lord: but he that is lewde in his wayes, despiseth him.
Whoso is walking in his uprightness is fearing Jehovah, And the perverted [in] his ways is despising Him.
He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
He that walketh in the right way, and feareth God, Cis despised by him that goeth by an infamous way.
By continually behaving/acting righteously, people show that they greatly revere Yahweh; those who ◄walk on crooked paths/always deceive others► show that they despise him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
בְּ֭/יָשְׁר/וֹ
יְרֵ֣א
יְהוָ֑ה
וּ/נְל֖וֹז
דְּרָכָ֣י/ו
בּוֹזֵֽ/הוּ
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
בְּ֭/יָשְׁר/וֹ
yôsher
H3476
uprightness
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יְרֵ֣א
yârêʼ
H3373
afraid
Adj
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וּ/נְל֖וֹז
lûwz
H3868
be devious
Conj | V-Niphal
דְּרָכָ֣י/ו
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
בּוֹזֵֽ/הוּ
bâzâh
H959
to despise
V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:2
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ֭/יָשְׁר/וֹ
yôsher
H3476
"uprightness"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Uprightness means being morally straight and even, like doing what is right and fair. It appears in books like Proverbs and Isaiah, guiding people to live with integrity. God values uprightness, as seen in Psalm 92:15.
Definition: 1) straightness, uprightness 1a) straightness, evenness (moral implications) 1b) rightness, uprightness 1c) what is right, what is due
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: equity, meet, right, upright(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:5; Psalms 119:7; Psalms 25:21.
יְרֵ֣א
yârêʼ
H3373
"afraid"
Adj
This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.
Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וּ/נְל֖וֹז
lûwz
H3868
"be devious"
Conj | V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to turn aside or be perverse, like departing from what is right. It appears in the Bible to describe someone who goes against God's ways. In the KJV, it is translated as depart, froward, or perverse.
Definition: 1) to depart, turn aside 1a) (Qal) to depart 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to go wrong, go crooked 1b2) devious, perverse (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to be lost from view 1c2) to become devious
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: depart, froward, perverse(-ness). See also: Proverbs 2:15; Proverbs 4:21; Proverbs 3:21.
דְּרָכָ֣י/ו
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
בּוֹזֵֽ/הוּ
bâzâh
H959
"to despise"
V-Qal | Suff
To despise or hold in contempt, as seen in Proverbs where it warns against despising wisdom. It can also mean to be despised or worthless, as in the case of a vile person.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, disdain 1a) (Qal) to despise, regard with contempt 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be despised 1b2) to be despicable 1b3) to be vile, worthless 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to despise Also means: ba.zoh (בָּזֹה "to despise" H0960)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible), [phrase] think to scorn, vile person. See also: Genesis 25:34; Psalms 102:18; Psalms 15:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:2
Context — The Wise Woman
1Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.
3The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. 4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 3:2–3 | For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, |
| 2 | Acts 10:35 | but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:6 | Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse. |
| 4 | Job 28:28 | And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” |
| 5 | Psalms 112:1 | Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 12:13 | When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. |
| 7 | Luke 10:16 | Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.” |
| 8 | Psalms 25:21 | May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You. |
| 9 | Romans 2:4–5 | Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. |
| 10 | Acts 9:31 | Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. |
Proverbs 14:2 Summary
[This verse teaches us that living a life of honesty and integrity is closely tied to our relationship with God. When we walk in uprightness, we show respect and reverence for God, similar to what is described in Psalm 112:1, which says, 'Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.' On the other hand, being dishonest or deceitful shows a lack of respect for God and can lead to spiritual harm. By choosing to live with integrity and honesty, we can deepen our relationship with God and live a more secure and peaceful life, as seen in Proverbs 28:18, which says, 'Whoever walks blamelessly will be delivered, but he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to walk in uprightness?
To walk in uprightness means to live a life of integrity, honesty, and moral purity, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, where it says, 'He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.'
How does fearing the Lord relate to walking in uprightness?
Fearing the Lord is a natural response to walking in uprightness, as it demonstrates a deep respect and reverence for God, similar to what is described in Psalm 111:10, which says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have a good understanding.'
What does it mean to be devious in one's ways?
Being devious in one's ways means to be dishonest, deceitful, or manipulative, which is contrary to the character of a God-fearing person, as seen in Proverbs 10:32, where it says, 'The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.'
How does despising God relate to being devious in one's ways?
Despising God is a natural consequence of being devious in one's ways, as it shows a lack of respect and disregard for God's authority and character, similar to what is described in Romans 1:30, where it says, 'God-haters, slanderers, men of vile affections, and disobedient to parents.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can improve my walk in uprightness and integrity?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear and respect for the Lord in my daily life?
- In what ways have I been devious or dishonest in my interactions with others, and how can I change this?
- What are some practical steps I can take to align my actions and decisions with God's will and character?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:2
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord,.... It is plain that the fear of the Lord is upon the heart and before the eyes of such that walk according to the word of God, with a sincere
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:2
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:2
That walketh in his uprightness; whose conversation is sincerely pious and righteous. The design of this proverb and verse is to show that God doth, and men may, judge of men’ s outward professions and inward dispositions by the common course of their lives. Despiseth him; plainly declares that he doth not fear God, but despise him, and his commands and threatenings.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:2
Proverbs 14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him.Ver. 2. He that walketh in his uprightness, feareth the Lord.] He is "in the fear of the Lord all day long"; he walketh "in the fear of the Lord, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost." "The fear of the Lord is upon him," so that he "takes heed and does it"; for he knows "it shall be well with them that fear God, that fear before him." God’ s "covenant was with Levi of life and peace, for the fear wherewith he feared God, and was afraid before his name." Hence "the law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with God in peace and equity, and did turn many from iniquity." He that truly fears God, is like unto Cato, of whom it is said, that he was homo virluti simillimus, and that he never did well that he might appear to do so, sed quia aliter facere non potuit, but because he could not do otherwise. But he that is perverse in his ways, despiseth him.] Sets him aside, departs from his fear, dares to do that before him that he would be loath to do before a grave person. Thus David "despised God," when he defiled his neighbour’ s wife. Not but that even then he had God for his chief end; but he erred in the way, thinking he might fulfil his lust, and keep his God too (he would not forego God upon any terms), as Solomon thought to retain his wisdom, and yet to pursue his pleasures. Hence his partial and temporary apostasy - as the word here rendered "perverse" importeth; his warping and writhing from the way of righteousness - as the Septuagint here interpret it - which was, interpretative, a "despising" of God, a saying, "He seeth it not." σκολιαζων tortuose incedens.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:2
(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.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:2
2. The proverb maintains the intimate relation between piety and probity.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:2
2. Walketh in his uprightness — Levelness, straightness. Feareth the Lord — As a general thing, there is no better evidence of true piety than rightness of conduct.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Letter 114 by James Bourne | James Bourne addresses a dear friend, expressing concern about their light-heartedness and engagement in frivolous talk that may hinder their spiritual walk. He warns against being |
|
Timothy, Ii #2 Ch. 3-4 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing the signs of a society that is drifting away from godliness. He emphasizes the need to turn away from those who |
|
Beware of Dogs by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of not remaining silent about one's faith. He recounts a plane journey where he noticed people wea |
|
Guidelines to Freedom Part 5 - Family Life - God's Way by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of respect and honor. He shares personal experiences of being taught to stand up as a mark of respect for teachers, visitors, an |
|
Honor Your Father and Mother by Roy Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honoring and obeying parents. He shares anecdotes of children being disobedient and disrespectful towards their parents. H |
|
Can You Pass the Test of Faith With Your Money by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the battle to keep our lives free from the love of money and the importance of being content with what we have. It challenges believers to trust in God's pro |
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 184 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of being influenced by man rather than God. He highlights the vanity and emptiness of worldly pursuits and the need to be free to |