Proverbs chapter 2

vs 12

Froward things? Well, it is in the dictionary. Not exactly a word I see in regular conversation. Thanks again, KJV.

We're about to get a few verses about wicked people. Note that the TNIV maintains the gender distinction here, because the verse talks about men first, then women. Wisdom saves you from these people, who are first of all perverse in what they say...

vs 13

...who walk in twisted, hidden ways...

vs 14

The idea that everyone does wrong isn't lost, but there is a distinction drawn between normal people, and those for whom there is some sort of pleasure in doing wrong. Back in Israel, these people would have been in the minority sometimes (when popular culture was aimed towards following God) and in the ascendency at others (when idol worship was rife). I think modern Australia falls fairly neatly into the second pocket there.

vs 15

More or less a repeat of verse 13, showing a chiastic nature of the writing.

vs 16

Now we look at the wicked woman. The wicked man seems to be all about taking pleasure in doing wrong, and convincing others to follow him in his improper ways. The wicked woman is painted instead as a seductress, although still on the wrong path.

vs 17

Instead of deviousness and perversity, the focus here is on the breakdown of relationship with God.

vs 18

I suppose for the son of Solomon, women might pose quite a problem. But for all men I think women and the seduction of them is a problem, so Solomon here words his words strongly, to make the point that this is bad and destructive.

vs 19

Adultery it seems is a trap. Like a sticky thing which is impossible to escape. I suppose in once sense it is, because once it is done it cannot be undone. You can rob someone and pay them back the money you stole. But you can't take away the damage done from adultery - it's there forever.

vs 20

Obviously the paths of righteousness are better, as they protect you from these perversities and from death, or from actions that have consequences that cannot be undone.

vs 21

An obvious link to the promises of God to Israel - to the land. This is covenant stuff - those who obey the covenant will be blessed in the land.

vs 22

And those who don't, obviously, won't. The promise of stripping the land from the wicked is nothing new to the prophets. Solomon knew what was what. Even if the book of the law was lost (hard to know when that happened) there was obviously a knowledge of what God expected, and what his judgment would be if his laws weren't followed.