Proverbs 21:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.

NIV: The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

NASB: The way of a guilty person is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.

CSB: A guilty one’s conduct is crooked, but the behavior of the innocent is upright.

NLT: The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.

KJV: The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

NKJV: The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.

This verse contrasts sinfulness and evil with those "pure" actions aligned with God's will (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–5; 8:34–35). Scripture often uses the metaphor of a path to refer to one's life and life choices (Proverbs 2:12–15). The term used for "crooked" here is hapakpak', rather than the term 'iqqesh seen in other Proverbs, often rendered as "perverted." The word used here suggests something being turned or rolled over. This verse also contains a poetic use of rhyming words: the Hebrew terms used to translate "guilty" and "upright" sound almost identical.

While this verse primarily speaks of those who are persistently, deliberately evil, the Bible teaches that all human beings wander away from the path of righteousness (Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:12). A clear distinction was evident between righteous Noah, who found grace in God's sight, and all others. Genesis 6:5 reports that "the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 7:1 notes this distinction: "Then the LORD said to Noah, 'Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.'"

Our ability to know another person's heart is severely limited (1 Samuel 16:7; John 7:24). Still, there is a clear distinction between the conduct reflecting purity which rightly reflects a life saved by grace, versus a life fully engaged in the slavery of sin. The unsaved walk "following the course of the world, following the prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2), but those who are saved and respond as they should participate in good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Proverbs 21:1–16 continues Solomon's wise observations (Proverbs 10:1) by acknowledging the Lord's control of kings. He also mentions what the Lord despises: pride, love of money, violence, the conduct of the wicked, the withholding of charity, bribery, and apostasy. On the other hand, he commends righteousness and justice, pure conduct, wise acceptance of instruction, and charity.

This chapter begins and ends with a declaration of God's sovereignty. He alone judges the heart; the Lord considers intentions just as important as physical actions. Other comments include statements about unpleasant spouses, proper perspectives on wealth, work ethic, and the essential nature of godly wisdom. Human wisdom is no match for the sovereign Lord, who alone is ultimately responsible for victory in battle.

This is part of the second major section of the book (Proverbs 10—22) featuring nearly four hundred statements. Most of these are two-line comments presenting common sense and general wisdom. The vague theme of chapter 21 is God's control. Man may believe he is in control of his circumstances, but God superintends everything. The chapter begins and ends by assuring the readers that God holds ultimate sway over all things.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.