to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, to deliver youThe phrase "to deliver you" suggests a rescue or salvation from a perilous situation. In Hebrew, the word for "deliver" is "נָצַל" (natsal), which conveys the idea of being snatched away or rescued. This reflects God's active role in protecting His followers from spiritual and moral danger. The deliverance here is not just physical but also spiritual, emphasizing God's desire to save His people from the snares of sin and evil influences. from the way of evil The "way of evil" refers to a path or lifestyle characterized by wickedness and moral corruption. The Hebrew word for "way" is "דֶּרֶךְ" (derek), which can mean a road, journey, or manner of life. This suggests that evil is not just a single act but a habitual pattern of living. The Bible often contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, urging believers to choose the path of wisdom and righteousness. Historically, the Israelites were constantly warned against adopting the practices of surrounding pagan nations, which were often described as "evil." from the man who speaks perversity The "man who speaks perversity" is someone who distorts truth and promotes moral corruption through their words. The Hebrew word for "perversity" is "תַּהְפֻּכוֹת" (tahpukoth), which implies a turning away from what is right or true. Speech is a powerful tool in the Bible, capable of building up or tearing down. The emphasis here is on the danger of being influenced by those who use their words to lead others astray. In a historical context, false prophets and deceitful leaders were a constant threat to the spiritual integrity of the community. This verse serves as a warning to be discerning about whom we listen to and to seek wisdom that aligns with God's truth. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Way of EvilThis phrase represents a path or lifestyle characterized by wickedness and moral corruption. It is a metaphorical path that leads away from God's wisdom and righteousness. 2. The Man Who Speaks PerversityThis individual is someone who distorts truth and engages in deceitful or corrupt speech. In the Hebrew text, the word for "perversity" (tahpukot) implies a turning away from what is right and true. Teaching Points The Importance of DiscernmentAs believers, we must cultivate discernment to recognize and avoid the way of evil. This involves being grounded in Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Guarding Our SpeechWe should be mindful of our own words, ensuring they align with truth and righteousness, and avoid engaging in or endorsing perverse speech. Choosing the Right PathDaily decisions determine our spiritual direction. We must consciously choose paths that lead to righteousness and align with God's wisdom. Influence of CompanionsThe company we keep can influence our spiritual journey. We should surround ourselves with those who encourage us in our faith and steer clear of those who lead us astray. Prayer for DeliveranceRegular prayer for deliverance from evil influences and for strength to resist temptation is crucial in maintaining a righteous path. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify "the way of evil" in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to avoid it? 2. In what ways can our speech reflect perversity, and how can we ensure our words align with biblical truth? 3. Reflect on a time when you were influenced by someone who spoke perversity. How did it affect your spiritual walk, and what did you learn from the experience? 4. How does the teaching in Proverbs 2:12 relate to the broader biblical theme of choosing between the path of wisdom and the path of folly? 5. What role does prayer play in seeking deliverance from evil influences, and how can you incorporate this into your daily spiritual practice? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 4:14-15These verses warn against entering the path of the wicked and encourage avoiding it entirely, reinforcing the idea of being delivered from evil ways. Ephesians 5:6-7Paul warns believers not to be deceived by empty words and to avoid partnership with those who practice disobedience, echoing the caution against those who speak perversity. Psalm 1:1This verse contrasts the blessed man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, highlighting the importance of choosing the right path. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Deliver, Delivering, Evil, Froward, Giving, Perverse, Perverted, Salvation, Save, Speak, Speaketh, Speaking, Speaks, Speech, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 2:12-13 5197 walking Proverbs 2:12-15 4811 darkness, symbol of sin 5550 speech, negative 5830 delight 6251 temptation, resisting Library The Beginning and End of Wisdom PROVERBS ii. 2, 3, 5. If thou incline thine ear to wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after wisdom, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. We shall see something curious in the last of these verses, when we compare it with one in the chapter before. The chapter before says, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That if we wish to be wise at all, we must BEGIN by … Charles Kingsley—The Good News of GodThe Red Lamp. Travelling by express train the other day, we found that we were stopped a long distance from the station where we were timed to stop, and looking out of the window, saw a red light ahead. That accounted for it, we knew there was something in the way. The driver knew what he was about, and though anxious to go on, did not move until the red light was changed to white. Some of those who read this paper are living in sin. To such, the Bible speaks out in plain terms, and, like the Red Light, would … Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Notes on the Fourth Century Page 238. Med. 1. In the wording of this meditation, and of several other passages in the Fourth Century, it seems as though Traherne is speaking not of himself, but of, a friend and teacher of his. He did this, no doubt, in order that he might not lay himself open to the charge of over-egotism. Yet that he is throughout relating his own experiences is proved by the fact that this Meditation, as first written, contains passages which the author afterwards marked for omission. In its original form … Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having … Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Truth Hidden when not Sought After. "They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians, … John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Sundry Sharp Reproofs This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure … Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Sunday Before Lent Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love … Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Knowledge of God 'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance … Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C. Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, … Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Proverbs Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 2:12 NIVProverbs 2:12 NLTProverbs 2:12 ESVProverbs 2:12 NASBProverbs 2:12 KJV
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