In the Bible, “froward” refers to a disposition marked by stubbornness, disobedience, or a tendency to deviate from the right path. It is often associated with those who are rebellious or perverse in their conduct, as seen in Proverbs 3:32, where the froward is contrasted with the upright.
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.
Froward: Biblical Meaning Explained
The term “froward” in the Bible encapsulates a broader theme of moral and spiritual obstinance, illustrating a profound disconnection from the ways of God and righteousness. In Proverbs 3:32, we see this contrast: “For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.” This verse highlights that those who are froward, or perverse, stand in stark opposition to the upright, demonstrating not only a deviation from good conduct but also a conscious choice to reject divine wisdom. The Hebrew roots of the word imply a twisting or bending of what is right; thus, froward individuals embody a lifestyle that rebels against both God’s commandments and moral truths.
In addition to Proverbs, other scriptures elucidate the consequences of a froward disposition, emphasizing its destructive nature. For example, Proverbs 11:20 states, “They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.” Here, the froward heart is seen as intrinsically at odds with God, resulting in separation from the divine and community. Furthermore, in Psalm 18:26, it is noted that God shows Himself “froward” to the froward, meaning that He responds to their obstinacy with judgment. The overarching message in these texts serves as a caution against adopting a froward heart, urging believers to seek righteousness and humility in their relationship with God, contrasting the blessings of obedience against the pitfalls of rebellion.
Beyond the immediate context of Proverbs and Psalms, the concept of being froward appears in various aspects that deepen our understanding of its implications. In the Old Testament, the froward nature often correlates to idolatry and turning away from God’s commands. Individuals who engage in such practices exhibit a fundamental disloyalty to the covenant established with them, drawing a distinct line between the faithful and the disobedient. This idea is further reinforced by prophetic literature, where calls to repentance frequently target those who demonstrate a froward attitude—acting counter to God’s revealed will—underscoring that such behavior inevitably leads to personal and communal desolation.
Moreover, the New Testament adopts this thread of thought, transforming the understanding of frowardness within the context of Christ’s teachings. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently confronted those who adhered rigidly to the letter of the law yet neglected its spirit, embodying the froward mentality. By condemning hypocrisy and emphasizing the need for sincere faith and righteousness, He highlights that true adherence to God’s will transcends mere outward observance. As such, the froward heart is one that may outwardly conform but inwardly rebels—showing that the challenge remains not only in following God’s laws but in cultivating a heart aligned with His purposes. The call remains timeless: to embody a faith rooted in obedience, humility, and authentic relationship with God, steering clear of the self-imposed barriers created by frowardness.
The Nature of Frowardness in Human Behavior
Frowardness in the biblical context often refers to a disposition characterized by stubbornness, rebelliousness, and a refusal to adhere to moral or divine guidance. This behavior is seen as contrary to the teachings of wisdom and righteousness. Individuals who exhibit froward traits are often depicted as being difficult to instruct or correct, leading to a life that is misaligned with God’s will. This highlights the importance of humility and the willingness to accept guidance in one’s spiritual journey.
Consequences of Frowardness
The Bible frequently illustrates that frowardness leads to negative outcomes, both in personal life and in one’s relationship with God. Those who persist in froward behavior may find themselves facing challenges, isolation, or divine disfavor. This serves as a cautionary message about the dangers of pride and obstinacy, emphasizing that a heart open to wisdom and correction is essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment. The consequences of frowardness underscore the need for self-reflection and the pursuit of a righteous path.
The Contrast with Righteousness
Frowardness is often contrasted with righteousness in biblical texts. While froward individuals are depicted as straying from the path of wisdom, the righteous are portrayed as those who seek understanding and live in accordance with divine principles. This contrast serves to highlight the virtues of humility, obedience, and the pursuit of truth. By understanding the implications of frowardness, believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of receptiveness and alignment with God’s teachings, fostering a life that reflects His will and purpose.
How to Overcome Disobedience and Embrace Godly Living
Overcoming disobedience and embracing godly living is a journey that requires both humility and intentionality. Start by recognizing that we all fall short, but God’s grace is always available to lift us back up. Spend time in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to guide your heart and mind toward obedience. Dive into Scripture, allowing God’s Word to transform your thoughts and actions; verses like Romans 12:2 remind us to renew our minds. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and hold you accountable, as iron sharpens iron. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress—each small step toward obedience is a victory in your walk with Christ. Embrace the process, and trust that God is working in you to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13).
Bible References to Frowardness Explained:
Proverbs 3:32-33: 32 for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord,
but the upright are in his confidence.
33 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
Proverbs 4:24-27: 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 8:7-9: 7 for my mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands,
and right to those who find knowledge.
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 17:20-21: 20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.
21 Whoever sires a fool gets himself sorrow,
and the father of a fool has no joy.
Proverbs 21:8-10: 8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
Psalms 18:25-27: 25 With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
26 With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
27 For you save a humble people,
but the haughty eyes you bring down.
Psalms 101:3-5: 3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.
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.
Deuteronomy 32:20-22: 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.
22 For a fire is kindled by my anger,
and it burns to the depths of Sheol,
devouring the earth and its increase,
and setting on fire the foundations of the mountains.
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.
Job 5:12-14: 12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.
13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.
14 They meet with darkness in the daytime
and grope at noonday as in the night.
Isaiah 57:17-19: 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,
19 creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him.
Jeremiah 3:2-4: 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.
4 Have you not just now called to me, ‘My father, you are the friend of my youth—
Ezekiel 20:38-40: 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.
40 “For on my holy mountain, the mountain height of Israel, declares the Lord God, there all the house of Israel, all of them, shall serve me in the land. There I will accept them, and there I will require your contributions and the choicest of your gifts, with all your sacred offerings.
Matthew 17:17-18: 17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.”
18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly.
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.