Proverbs 2:13
Proverbs 2:13 in Multiple Translations
from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness,
Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
Who forsake the paths of uprightness, To walk in the ways of darkness;
Who give up the way of righteousness, to go by dark roads;
who turn away from following what is right to walk down paths of darkness.
And from them that leaue the wayes of righteousnes to walke in the wayes of darkenes:
Who are forsaking paths of uprightness, To walk in ways of darkness,
who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness,
Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
Who leave the right way, and walk by dark ways:
Deceitful people have stopped acting fairly/justly toward others and ◄walk on dark and evil paths/do what evil people do► [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:13
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 2:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ֭/עֹ֣זְבִים
אָרְח֣וֹת
יֹ֑שֶׁר
לָ֝/לֶ֗כֶת
בְּ/דַרְכֵי
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
הַ֭/עֹ֣זְבִים
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Art | V-Qal
אָרְח֣וֹת
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cp
יֹ֑שֶׁר
yôsher
H3476
uprightness
N-ms
לָ֝/לֶ֗כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/דַרְכֵי
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cp
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
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 2:13
הַ֭/עֹ֣זְבִים
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Art | V-Qal
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
אָרְח֣וֹת
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cp
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
יֹ֑שֶׁר
yôsher
H3476
"uprightness"
N-ms
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.
לָ֝/לֶ֗כֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 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) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְּ/דַרְכֵי
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cp
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.
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 2:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 2:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 2:13
Context — The Benefits of Wisdom
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, 15whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 3:19–20 | And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:19 | But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:16 | The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. |
| 4 | 1 John 2:19 | They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 2:20–22 | If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” |
| 6 | Psalms 36:3 | The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 5:5–7 | For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. |
| 8 | John 2:9–11 | and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not know where it was from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now!” Jesus performed this, the first of His signs, at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. |
| 9 | Matthew 12:43–45 | When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.” |
| 10 | John 12:35 | Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. |
Proverbs 2:13 Summary
This verse warns us about the danger of leaving the right path and walking in darkness, which means turning away from God and towards sinful behaviors. When we leave the straight paths, we can easily get lost and end up in a place of spiritual darkness, as seen in Proverbs 2:13 and also in Psalm 119:105. To stay on the right path, we need to seek wisdom and discretion, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-12, and follow Jesus, the Light of the world, who guides us on the path of righteousness (John 8:12, Psalm 23:3).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to leave the straight paths in Proverbs 2:13?
Leaving the straight paths means to abandon the right way of living and turn to sinful and destructive behaviors, as warned in Proverbs 2:13 and also seen in Psalm 119:101 where the psalmist chooses to stay on the path of God's laws.
How can we recognize those who walk in the ways of darkness?
Those who walk in darkness are characterized by their love for evil and twistedness, as mentioned in Proverbs 2:14, and can be identified by their actions and the company they keep, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:20.
What is the significance of walking in darkness according to Proverbs 2:13?
Walking in darkness signifies a rejection of God's light and truth, and leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God, as seen in John 3:19-20 and Ephesians 5:8-14.
How can we avoid leaving the straight paths and walking in darkness?
We can avoid leaving the straight paths by seeking wisdom and discretion, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-12, and by walking in the light of God's Word and following Jesus, the Light of the world, as taught in John 8:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be leaving the straight paths in my own life, and how can I return to the right way?
- How can I recognize and avoid the influence of those who walk in darkness, and instead surround myself with people who love and follow God?
- What are some practical ways I can seek wisdom and discretion to stay on the path of righteousness, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-12?
- How can I be a light in the darkness, shining the love and truth of God to those around me, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:14-16?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:13
Who leave the paths of uprightness,.... Or "righteousness", or the "right [and plain] ways" (u); which the light of nature and the law of God, and especially the Gospel of Christ, direct to; and in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:13
Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who leave the paths uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness Their love of darkness rather than light is the reason why they
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:13
The paths of uprightness; the way of God’ s precepts. Of darkness, i.e. of sin, which is oft called darkness, as , &c.; , because it comes from darkness, ignorance, and error, and loves darkness and hates light, and leads to utter darkness.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:13
Proverbs 2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;Ver. 13. To walk in the ways of darkness.] As thieves, drunkards, dicers, and our other solifugae, that abuse even gospel light; that put not light under a bushel, but under a dunghill; that, when they have walked themselves weary in these byways, highways to hell, sit down "in darkness, and in the shadow of death," which posture imports, (1). Continuance there; (2). Content, as well paid of their seat. These "hate the light because their ways are evil." The light stands in the light of their wicked ways, as the angel did in Balaam’ s way to his sin.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:13
13-15. Who leave the paths of uprightness — A description of these evil men, needing no comment. Delighting in the frowardness, the wickedness of the wicked, is one of their worst features. Comp. Psalms 50:17-18; Romans 1:32.
Sermons on Proverbs 2:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Greatest of These Is Love by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their experiences and beliefs about the importance of spreading the word of God. They mention their work with feeble-minded children a |
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Wolves by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew chapter 13, where Jesus tells a parable about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds am |
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A Portrait No Artist Can Paint by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the description of Jesus Christ as seen by John in the isle of Patmos. It emphasizes the impossibility of capturing the glory of Christ's face throu |
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Light Rejected by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the wedding feast from Matthew 22. He emphasizes that God has sent his servants to invite people to the wedding, but many have |
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Unpardonable Sin by William P. Nicholson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fact that preaching the gospel is a serious matter because it deals with the eternal destiny of human beings. He shares a story from the |
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Reaching the Lost in Uncertain Times by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers in reaching the lost in a world filled with darkness and tension. It highlights the need for Christians to l |
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Three Men Going to Hell by Eli Brayley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith, stating that it is more precious than gold. He confronts a person named Mr. Obsonant, who refuses to walk in the li |