Proverbs 2:12
Proverbs 2:12 in Multiple Translations
to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity,
To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
To deliver thee from the way of evil, From the men that speak perverse things;
Giving you salvation from the evil man, from those whose words are false;
Doing this will save you from the ways of evil, from men who tell twisted lies,
And deliuer thee from the euill way, and from the man that speaketh froward things,
To deliver thee from an evil way, From any speaking froward things,
to deliver you from the way of evil, from the men who speak perverse things,
To deliver thee from the way of the evil man , from the man that speaketh froward things;
That thou mayst be delivered from the evil way, and from the man that speaketh perverse things:
If you are wise [PRS], you will not do what evil people do, and you will not believe what deceitful people say.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:12
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 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ֭/הַצִּ֣ילְ/ךָ
מִ/דֶּ֣רֶךְ
רָ֑ע
מֵ֝/אִ֗ישׁ
מְדַבֵּ֥ר
תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת
לְ֭/הַצִּ֣ילְ/ךָ
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
מִ/דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
מֵ֝/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
מְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel
תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
perversity
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 2:12
לְ֭/הַצִּ֣ילְ/ךָ
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
מִ/דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
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.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
מֵ֝/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
"perversity"
N-fp
This word means being stubborn or disobedient, often in a harmful way. It describes actions that go against God's will, like in Deuteronomy where it warns against turning away from God. In Proverbs, it talks about the dangers of a perverse heart.
Definition: perversity, perverse thing
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (very) froward(-ness, thing), perverse thing. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 10:31; Proverbs 2:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 2:12
Context — The Benefits of Wisdom
10For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul.
11Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,
12to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity,
13from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness, 14from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 8:13 | To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. |
| 3 | Proverbs 13:20 | He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 6:17 | “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 59:3–5 | For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched. |
| 6 | Psalms 26:4–5 | I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites. I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked. |
| 7 | Acts 20:30 | Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. |
| 8 | Proverbs 1:10–19 | My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us; let us all share one purse”— my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path. For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. |
| 9 | Proverbs 16:28–30 | A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. |
| 10 | Proverbs 4:14–17 | Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. |
Proverbs 2:12 Summary
This verse is saying that if we seek wisdom, God will help us avoid doing bad things and hanging out with people who do bad things. It's like having a guardian who watches over us and keeps us safe from harm, as promised in Psalms 121:7-8. By following God's wisdom, we can stay on the right path and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:1-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the way of evil that this verse is referring to?
The way of evil refers to a path of life that is contrary to God's will, as described in Proverbs 2:12, and is often characterized by disobedience to God's commands, such as those found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21.
Who is the man who speaks perversity?
The man who speaks perversity is someone who distorts or twists the truth, often to lead others astray, as warned against in Proverbs 10:32 and Ephesians 4:29.
How does wisdom deliver us from the way of evil?
Wisdom, as described in Proverbs 2:10-11, delivers us from the way of evil by giving us discretion and understanding, allowing us to recognize and avoid evil, as also promised in Psalms 119:133 and 2 Timothy 3:15-17.
What is the significance of being delivered from the way of evil?
Being delivered from the way of evil means being spared from the consequences of sin, such as those described in Romans 6:23, and being able to live a life that is pleasing to God, as encouraged in Colossians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be tempted to follow the way of evil, and how can I seek wisdom to avoid it?
- How can I recognize when someone is speaking perversity, and what should I do in response?
- In what ways has God delivered me from the way of evil in the past, and how can I be thankful for His protection?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek wisdom and understanding, as described in Proverbs 2:10-11, and how can I apply them to my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:12
To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man],.... Who is so by nature and practice, who is hardened in sin and abandoned to it, whose course of life is evil, and who endeavours to draw others into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:12
To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; To deliver thee from the way of the evil (man), from the man that speaketh froward things - things contrary to what is right.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
From the way of the evil man; from following his counsel or example, which others for want of wisdom commonly do. That speaketh froward things; with design to corrupt thy mind, and entice thee to evil principles or practices.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
Proverbs 2:12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man], from the man that speaketh froward things;Ver. 12. That speaketh froward things.] As if his mouth were distorted, or the upper lip stood where the nether should. See Acts 20:30. διεστραμμενα.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
(12) Froward things.—(Heb., tahpûkhôth), i.e., misrepresentations, distortions of the truth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
Verse 12. The man that speaketh froward things.] תהפכות tahpuchoth, things of subversion; from תפך taphach, to turn or change the course of a thing. Men who wish to subvert the state of things, whether civil or religious; who are seditious themselves, and wish to make others so. These speak much of liberty and oppression, deal greatly in broad assertions, and endeavour especially to corrupt the minds of youth.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:12
12. the evil man] Or, evil, R.V. text (marg. as A.V.); ἀπὸὁδοῦκακῆς, LXX.; a via mala, Vulg.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:12
The evil-doers here include not robbers and murderers only Proverbs 1:10-16, but all who leave the straight path and the open day for crooked ways, perverse counsels, deeds of darkness.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:12
12. They do this, to deliver thee (now their ward) from the way of the evil man, (especially) from the man that speaketh froward things — ϊδτλεϊ, (tahpukhoth,) another obscure word, found almost exclusively in this book.
Sermons on Proverbs 2:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Best, Not the Good by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we c |
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(2008 Usa Tour) Singles Table Talk by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher describes a journey up a cableway to a beautiful mountain, followed by a visit to a tea place and a boat ride around Seal Island. The preacher then men |
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When Mercy Kills an Outstretched Hand by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the danger of hirelings in the pulpit who avoid addressing sin in the lives of their congregation. He emphasizes that when God is not present, |
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Peace Stealers by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of peace and how to guard it. He shares a personal experience of feeling unhappy and seeking a new direction in his life. Throu |
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(Godly Courtship) 05 Godly Courtship - Question & Answer by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker discusses George Mueller's four-point outline for discerning God's will. The first point is to listen to the Spirit of God in our own hearts. The second |
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The Father Is a Watchman - Part 1 by Denny Kenaston | This sermon addresses the challenges faced by godly families in a world filled with various forms of entertainment, focusing on the negative impact of media like television, movies |
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The Dangers of the Christian Radio by Denny Kenaston | The sermon transcript discusses the dangers of listening to Christian radio. The speaker urges listeners to put away the radio if they find themselves becoming hooked on it. He emp |