Froward, Charge!

(Pro 17:20 KJV) He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Ah, the King James Bible.  Reading it is enough to make your brain sit up and say, “What?”  Does anyone today have any idea what a “froward (6141) heart (3820)” is?  To be honest, I have seen the word “froward” enough by now to really enjoy it.  You will still find it in the dictionary.  The NASB is more accurate with “crooked” but still misses the idea of being twisted.  Yes, twisted is crooked but is a better word to embrace the evil nature of the condition.

People today like the diluted paraphrases where the paraphraser has done all the work of thinking for them and tells them what to think.  One of the values of more advanced reading is that it forces you to engage your brain.  When you engage your brain with a good heart it is possible to take the froward misunderstandings of life and turn them into upright decisions.

So?  Don’t be afraid to think.  It is often uncomfortable and usually puts you out of step with the world around you but it is the reason God cleanses your heart and regenerates you being.