Proverbs 21:8 Meaning and Explanation
“The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wicked's path is twisted and alien to righteousness; the pure person's work is straight and upright.
The Context of Proverbs 21:8
Moral purity aligns one's work with what is right.
What Does Proverbs 21:8 Mean?
'Froward' means perverse, wayward, contrary to what is right. The way of the man (especially the wicked) is strange—twisted, devious, contrary to the natural moral order. It goes against the grain of both human flourishing and divine purpose.
In contrast, the work of the pure—those clean in heart and free from hidden wickedness—is naturally 'right,' meaning straight and true. Purity and integrity align one's life with reality and goodness, so one's deeds naturally tend toward righteousness.
Proverbs 21:8 in the Original Language
iqqesh (עִקֵּשׁ), 'froward' — perverse, twisted, contrary to what is straight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 21:8
What does Proverbs 21:8 mean?
The wicked's path is twisted and alien to righteousness; the pure person's work is straight and upright.
What is the context of Proverbs 21:8?
Moral purity aligns one's work with what is right.