In the Bible, “frowardness” refers to a state of being perverse, stubborn, or difficult to deal with, often associated with resisting wisdom and guidance. It signifies a moral attitude that is contrary to righteousness, leading one away from the path of obedience to God.
Scripture
12 delivering you from the way of evil,
from men of perverted speech,
13 who forsake the paths of uprightness
to walk in the ways of darkness,
14 who rejoice in doing evil
and delight in the perverseness of evil,
15 men whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
Frowardness Defined in the Bible
In biblical context, “frowardness” denotes a willful inclination towards rebellion and disobedience, reflecting a heart that is resistant to God’s principles. Proverbs 4:24 instructs believers to “put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee,” highlighting the importance of speaking in line with righteousness. This pursuit of purity in speech suggests that frowardness not only affects one’s behavior but also influences the way individuals communicate and relate to one another. Furthermore, Proverbs 16: perverse 17: “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul,” underscores that avoiding a froward mindset is essential for maintaining one’s spiritual integrity and well-being.
The association of frowardness with a rejection of wisdom is pervasive within the Scriptures. In Proverbs 6:12-14, it describes a “wicked man” whose frowardness is expressed through deceit and disruption, embodying the broader human tendency to stray from divine counsel. This moral deviation not only distances individuals from God but also leads to social discord and personal ruin. The call to recognize and confront frowardness is seen in the admonitions of Jesus, who emphasized the need for sincere repentance and transformation (Matthew 3:8). Thus, the concept of frowardness encapsulates a profound warning against self-reliance and an unyielding heart, beckoning believers towards a life of humility, openness to divine guidance, and commitment to moral truth.
Frowardness in the Bible is often depicted as a manifestation of a heart that turns away from God’s guidance and instructions. In the book of Proverbs, for instance, wisdom repeatedly personifies herself as a contrast to the froward individual. Those who engage in frowardness are said to demonstrate a disregard for divine wisdom, leading their lives down destructive paths. This theme of divergence from wisdom underlines the biblical perspective that frowardness is not merely an external behavior but reflects a deep-seated condition of the heart that resists divine authority and truth.
Additionally, the book of Psalms explores the consequences of a froward nature, describing the Lord as someone who takes particular note of the froward (or perverse) individuals. Psalm 18:26 states that God shows Himself froward to the froward, illustrating a reciprocal relationship where those who embrace frowardness should not expect favor or clarity from the Almighty. Such insight reinforces the notion that frowardness alienates individuals from the blessings and guidance of God, establishing a critical framework for understanding the importance of aligning one’s heart and actions with divine will. The overarching biblical narrative encourages believers to cultivate integrity and authenticity rather than succumbing to the deceitful and rebellious tendencies inherent in frowardness.
The Nature of Frowardness
Frowardness in the Bible often signifies a disposition that is contrary to righteousness and wisdom. It embodies a rebellious spirit that resists guidance and instruction, leading individuals away from the path of virtue. This characteristic is frequently associated with deceitfulness and a lack of integrity, suggesting that those who exhibit frowardness are not only disobedient but also manipulative in their interactions with others.
Consequences of Frowardness
The Bible warns that frowardness can lead to dire consequences, both in personal relationships and in one’s spiritual journey. Those who embrace a froward attitude may find themselves isolated, as their behavior alienates them from the community and from God. The teachings emphasize that a froward heart can result in a life filled with strife and turmoil, ultimately leading to destruction rather than fulfillment and peace.
The Call to Wisdom and Righteousness
In contrast to frowardness, the biblical narrative encourages the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness. Believers are called to cultivate a heart that is open to instruction and correction, fostering a spirit of humility and obedience. This pursuit not only aligns individuals with divine principles but also promotes harmony within the community, highlighting the importance of choosing a path that reflects integrity and moral clarity over one marked by frowardness.
How to Embrace Obedience for Spiritual Growth
Embracing obedience as a pathway to spiritual growth is a transformative journey that requires both intention and humility. It starts with recognizing that obedience is not merely about following rules, but about cultivating a deeper relationship with God. When we choose to align our actions with His teachings, we open ourselves to His guidance and grace. This means actively engaging with Scripture, prayer, and the community of believers, allowing these practices to shape our hearts and minds. Remember, obedience often involves stepping out of our comfort zones—whether it’s serving others, forgiving those who have wronged us, or simply trusting God in uncertain times. As we take these steps, we not only grow closer to God but also discover the profound joy and peace that comes from living in accordance with His will. So, let’s embrace obedience not as a burden, but as a beautiful opportunity to reflect His love and purpose in our lives.
Bible References to Frowardness in Scripture:
Proverbs 3:31-32: 31 Do not envy a man of violence
and do not choose any of his ways,
32 for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord,
but the upright are in his confidence.
Proverbs 4:23-27: 23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
24 Put away from you crooked speech,
and put devious talk far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 6:12-15: 12 A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech,
13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger,
14 with perverted heart devises evil,
continually sowing discord.
15 Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;
in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
Proverbs 8:12-14: 12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.”
13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.
Proverbs 10:31-32: 31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
Proverbs 11:20-21: 20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord,
but those of blameless ways are his delight.
21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,
but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
Proverbs 16:27-30: 27 A worthless man plots evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
Proverbs 17:19-20: 19 Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction.
20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.
Proverbs 21:7-8: 7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.
Proverbs 22:5-6: 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 24:1-2: 1 Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them,
2 for their hearts devise violence,
and their lips talk of trouble.
Deuteronomy 32:20-21: 20 And he said, ‘I will hide my face from them;
I will see what their end will be,
for they are a perverse generation,
children in whom is no faithfulness.
21 They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
2 Samuel 22:26-28: 26 “With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;”
27 With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
28 You save a humble people,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.
Psalm 18:25-27: 25 With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
26 With the purified you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
27 For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.
Psalm 101:3-5: 3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
4 A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.
Isaiah 57:17-18: 17 Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry,
I struck him; I hid my face and was angry,
but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart.
18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners,
Jeremiah 3:2-3: 2 “Lift up your eyes to the bare heights, and see! Where have you not been ravished? By the waysides you have sat awaiting lovers like an Arab in the wilderness. You have polluted the land with your vile whoredom.
3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and the spring rain has not come; yet you have the forehead of a whore; you refuse to be ashamed.
Jeremiah 9:3-6: 3 They bend their tongue like a bow; falsehood and not truth has grown strong in the land; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know me, declares the Lord.
4 Let everyone beware of his neighbor,
and put no trust in any brother,
for every brother is a deceiver,
and every neighbor goes about as a slanderer.
5 They weary themselves committing iniquity.
6 Heaping oppression upon oppression, and deceit upon deceit, they refuse to know me, declares the Lord.
Ezekiel 3:7-9: 7 But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to me: because all the house of Israel have a hard forehead and a stubborn heart.
8 Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads.
9 Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
Ezekiel 20:38-39: 38 I will purge out the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against me. I will bring them out of the land where they sojourn, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
39 “As for you, O house of Israel, thus says the Lord God: Go serve every one of you his idols, now and hereafter, if you will not listen to me; but my holy name you shall no more profane with your gifts and your idols.
Mark 7:20-23: 20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him.
21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Romans 1:28-32: 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
Philippians 2:14-16: 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.