Proverbs 21:8
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The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
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Humanity is perverse! Jehovah created man upright and good, but he has corrupted his way on the earth by many inventions (Gen 1:31; 6:12; Eccl 7:29). Since Adam and Eve's debacle in Eden, man has a twisted heart that opposes what is truly good (Ps 14:1-3). Only those born again, with a pure heart from God, love and do what is right (Eph 4:24).
Not all men are froward and strange, as proven by the second clause, which indicates a category of men called "the pure." The contrast between the two clauses implies that it is impure and wicked men who are perverse and twisted. But let it be known: if it were not for the regenerating power of God in some, all men are froward and strange by nature.
"Froward" is an older English word meaning perverse, corrupt, unreasonable, or unruly. It describes the wicked motives and actions of a natural man apart from the grace of God, which Paul explained in detail (Rom 1:18-32; 3:9-18). "Strange" describes the abnormal, unexplainable, and surprising contrariness of sinful man's choices and actions.
Men are born just like a wild ass's colt (Job 11:12). They go astray and lie from birth (Ps 58:3). Foolishness is bound in their heart from youth (22:15). They remain foolish and deceived, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another (Titus 3:3). They watch wise men and fools die, but they presume they will live forever (Ps 49:10-13).
Many believe this is the wisest generation ever! They say, "Mankind is naturally and basically good, and getting better every year." But Solomon presupposed their arrogant thoughts and wrote, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (14:12; 16:25). Men are still froward and strange. In fact, these good guys ridicule those who follow God's ways as being strange (I Pet 4:1-4)!
Is humanity perverse? Cain killed his brother for being good, and murder has not stopped since. Tamar seduced her father-in-law, and Amnon raped his sister; incest continues today. Athaliah killed all the seed royal, and political killings were perfected in the last century. Judas, Pilate, Herod, and Jews betrayed Jesus; and judges and rulers still do it.
But men today outdo their ancestors in perversity. They abort babies by suction wand, when conception used to be celebrated. They subsidize debt and penalize savings by tax law. They condemn apartheid while keeping reservations. They call Picasso an artist and rap music. They condemn polygamy but endorse sodomy. They search for "Roots" but claim monkeys as ancestors. They outlaw child discipline but approve "Friday the 13th."
The 20th Century was the bloodiest century in the history of the world. Researchers claim 170 million innocents were slaughtered, not counting war deaths or bad government policies. That is nearly 5,000 every day for 100 years! The world eulogizes Hitler's six million but ignores Stalin's fifty million or so and Mao's twenty million or so. The way of man is froward and strange! And he is not getting better or brighter!
What about America in 2004? Same-sex marriages are the rage! Opposite-sex divorces are also hot! Parents abort children, and children divorce parents! Teens are interviewed for political opinions! Actors and athletes earn more than many CEOs! Separation of church and state is defined as outlawing Jehovah's religion. Church, the house of God for perfecting saints, has evolved into a nightclub to pamper sinners. The Bible is rewritten every three months. The way of man is froward and strange. He has no light (Is 8:20).
The pure are those born again by the Holy Spirit and given a new nature created in righteousness and true holiness (John 3:6; Eph 4:24). These are the sons of God by legal adoption and re-creation of their souls (John 1:12-13; Gal 4:4-6). They choose to keep the commandments of God, regardless of penalty or persecution (Rev 6:9; 12:17; 14:12; 20:4). They are perfectly different and perpetually antagonistic to natural men (29:27).
Dear reader, what is your case? Is your conduct and reputation froward and strange, or is it pure and right? Are you measuring by sociologists' definitions, or the precious word of God and inspired wisdom? Does your life reflect truth in a dark place (Phil 2:14-16)? Reject the arrogance of this generation and humble yourself before your Creator. He will soon expose this great difference in men (Mal 3:13-18; Matt 25:31-46; II Thess 1:3-10).
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