Watch Out for the Curve

(Proverbs 3:32 KJV)  For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

Sometimes the vocabulary of the KJV catches my attention.  Here we see the word “froward” which the NASB translates “crooked” (3868).  There are a number of Hebrew words that are translated “froward” and they all are negative.  The nuance in this word is the idea of curving away from the target.  One source of the English word contrasted “froward” with “toward”.  Thus is would be a kind of counter-repentance. 

When we repent we turn away from sin.  That is part of the deal.  Coming to Jesus is not just a matter of confession and faith.  It also involves turning away from the evil in our lives.  The froward does just the opposite, turning away from God. Thus we don’t drift into sin.  We don’t backslide.  We deliberately change course and begin to turn.

So?  If you want to walk with Jesus then keep on target.  God can be patient with our constant course corrections but not when they are directed toward our old life.  Forward, not froward.