Proverbs 21:8 - Exposition

The way of man is froward and strange; Vulgate, Perversa via viri, aliens est . Both this and the Authorized Version miss the antithesis between the guilty and the pure man, which is intended. In וזר , translated "and strange" (which seems to mean "alien from what is right"), the vav is not the copulative, but part of the word, which is an adjective signifying "laden with guilt;" so that the clause ought to be rendered, "Crooked is the way of a guilty man" (see note on Proverbs 2:15 , where, however, the word is different, though the idea is analogous). An evil man's way of life is not open and straightforward, simple and uniform, but stealthy, crooked, perverse, whither his evil inclinations lead him. Septuagint, "To the crooked ( σκολιοὺς ) God sendeth crooked ways;" which recalls Psalms 18:26 , "With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the perverse thou wilt show thyself froward." God allows the wicked to punish themselves by falling into mischief. As for the pure, his work is right; or, straight ( Proverbs 20:11 ). The pure in heart will be right in action; he follows his conscience and God's law, and goes direct on his course without turning or hesitation. The LXX . refers the clause to God: "for pure and right are his ways."