Proverbs 2:14 Study Bible: who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perverseness of evil;

◄ Proverbs 2:14 ►

from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil,

from those who enjoy doing evil
This phrase highlights the nature of certain individuals who find pleasure in wrongdoing. Biblically, this is a recurring theme where the wicked are depicted as taking delight in their sinful actions (Psalm 52:3, Micah 7:3). The enjoyment of evil suggests a hardened heart, one that is resistant to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Historically, this reflects the cultural context of ancient Israel, where idolatry and moral corruption were prevalent, often leading people away from God's commandments. The phrase serves as a warning to avoid the influence of such individuals, emphasizing the importance of choosing companions wisely (1 Corinthians 15:33).

and rejoice in the twistedness of evil
Rejoicing in evil indicates a deeper level of depravity, where not only are evil acts committed, but they are celebrated. This mirrors the condition described in Romans 1:32, where people not only practice unrighteousness but also approve of those who do. The term "twistedness" suggests a perversion of what is good and right, aligning with the biblical concept of sin as a distortion of God's perfect order. This rejoicing in perversion is a stark contrast to the joy found in righteousness and truth (Philippians 4:8). Theologically, this phrase underscores the battle between light and darkness, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, and points to the ultimate triumph of good over evil through Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth and righteousness (John 14:6).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Wicked
This verse refers to individuals who find joy and satisfaction in committing acts that are morally wrong or contrary to God's commandments. They are characterized by their delight in evil and perverse actions.

2. The Path of Wisdom
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of Proverbs 2 contrasts the path of wisdom with the path of wickedness. The chapter encourages the pursuit of wisdom and understanding as a means to avoid the pitfalls of evil.

3. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon is known for his wisdom. He provides these teachings to guide others in living a life that honors God.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Wickedness
Wickedness is not just about actions but also about the heart's attitude. Delighting in evil reveals a deep-seated rebellion against God's righteousness.

Guarding the Heart
Believers are called to guard their hearts against finding pleasure in sin. This requires constant vigilance and a commitment to God's Word.

The Consequences of Perversity
Rejoicing in evil leads to spiritual and often physical destruction. Understanding the consequences can motivate us to seek wisdom and righteousness.

Pursuing Wisdom
The antidote to delighting in evil is the pursuit of wisdom. By seeking God's wisdom, we align our desires with His and find true joy in righteousness.

Community Influence
Surrounding ourselves with those who delight in righteousness rather than evil can help us stay on the path of wisdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to "delight in doing evil," and how can we recognize this attitude in ourselves or others?

2. How does the broader context of Proverbs 2 help us understand the dangers of rejoicing in perversity?

3. In what ways can we guard our hearts against finding pleasure in sin, according to biblical principles?

4. How can the pursuit of wisdom serve as a remedy for the temptation to delight in evil?

5. What role does community play in influencing our attitudes towards righteousness and wickedness, and how can we ensure we are part of a community that encourages godliness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 1:10-19
This passage warns against being enticed by sinners and highlights the destructive end of those who pursue evil. It serves as a broader context for understanding the dangers of delighting in wickedness.

Romans 1:32
This verse speaks of those who not only practice evil but also approve of others who do the same, showing a similar attitude of rejoicing in wrongdoing.

Isaiah 5:20
This verse warns against calling evil good and good evil, which aligns with the perverse joy described in Proverbs 2:14.

Sermons

The Course of Sin and the Strength of Righteousness	W. Clarkson	Proverbs 2:10-15
The Profit of Religious Knowledge	E. Johnson	Proverbs 2:10-22

People

Solomon

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Delight, Designs, Evil, Frowardness, Joy, Perverseness, Perversity, Pleasure, Rejoice, Rejoicing, Sinner, Wicked, Wrong, Wrongdoing

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Proverbs 2:14

5918 pleasure
8302 love, abuse of

Proverbs 2:12-15

4811 darkness, symbol of sin
5550 speech, negative

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 God

The 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

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