CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 2:13 from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/2-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/20_Pro_02_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 2:13 - The Benefits of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/2-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/2-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm" title="Proverbs 2:12">◄</a> Proverbs 2:13 <a href="/proverbs/2-14.htm" title="Proverbs 2:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>From</i> those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />From those who leave the paths of uprightness, To walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />From those who forsake the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />from those who abandon the right paths to walk in ways of darkness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />from those who abandon the right paths to walk in ways of darkness, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Who forsake the paths of uprightness, To walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />who turned from doing good to live in the darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />from those who abandon the paths of righteousness to walk the ways of darkness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />those who have abandoned a righteous life to live in the darkness of sin, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and from those who abandon the right path to travel along the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />who leave the upright paths to walk on the dark ways, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Who are forsaking paths of uprightness, "" To walk in ways of darkness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Who are forsaking paths of uprightness, To walk in ways of darkness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Those forsaking the paths of straightness to go in the ways of darkness;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who leave the right way, and walk by dark ways: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />from those who leave the straight path to walk in dark ways,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />From those who have left the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Who forsake the path of uprightness to walk in the way of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Who leave the upright way and they walk in the way of darkness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Who leave the paths of uprightness, To walk in the ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Alas <i>for those</i> who forsake right paths, to walk in ways of darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/2-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=290" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">The Benefits of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ha·‘ō·zə·ḇîm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">from those who leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/3476.htm" title="3476: yō·šer (N-ms) -- Straightness, uprightness. From yashar; the right.">the straight</a> <a href="/hebrew/734.htm" title="734: ’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ (N-cpc) -- A way, path. From 'arach; a well-trodden road; also a caravan.">paths</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lā·le·ḵeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">to walk</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: bə·ḏar·ḵê- (Prep-b:: N-cpc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">in the ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/2822.htm" title="2822: ḥō·šeḵ (N-ms) -- From chashak; the dark; hence darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness.">of darkness,</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a></span><br />And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-22</a></span><br />For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a></span><br />For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">1 John 1:6</a></span><br />If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20</a></span><br />Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a></span><br />But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-9.htm">1 John 2:9-11</a></span><br />If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. / Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. / But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15</a></span><br />They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/13-10.htm">Jeremiah 13:10</a></span><br />These evil people, who refuse to listen to My words, who follow the stubbornness of their own hearts, and who go after other gods to serve and worship them, they will be like this loincloth—of no use at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12-13</a></span><br />The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">2 Timothy 3:13</a></span><br />while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;</p><p class="hdg">leave</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-16.htm">Proverbs 21:16</a></b></br> The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/14-3.htm">Psalm 14:3</a></b></br> They are all gone aside, they are <i>all</i> together become filthy: <i>there is</i> none that doeth good, no, not one.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/18-26.htm">Ezekiel 18:26</a></b></br> When a righteous <i>man</i> turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.</p><p class="hdg">walk</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm">Proverbs 4:19</a></b></br> The way of the wicked <i>is</i> as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/24-13.htm">Job 24:13-16</a></b></br> They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19,20</a></b></br> And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/psalms/119-53.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/psalms/141-8.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/job/30-13.htm">Roads</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Uprightness</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-7.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-17.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-8.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-2.htm">Roads</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Uprightness</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-18.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">wisdom promises godliness to her children</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">and safety from evil company</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm">and direction in good ways</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>from those who leave the straight paths</b><br>This phrase highlights a deliberate departure from a life of righteousness and wisdom. In biblical context, "straight paths" symbolize a life aligned with God's commandments and moral integrity. The imagery of a path is common in Scripture, representing one's life journey and choices (<a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a>, <a href="/isaiah/26-7.htm">Isaiah 26:7</a>). Historically, paths were crucial in ancient times for travel and trade, symbolizing direction and purpose. Theologically, leaving the straight paths can be seen as turning away from God's guidance, akin to the Israelites' frequent departures from God's law (<a href="/judges/2-17.htm">Judges 2:17</a>). This departure is often associated with rebellion and disobedience, which are themes throughout the Old Testament.<p><b>to walk in the ways of darkness</b><br>"Walking" in biblical terms often refers to one's conduct or lifestyle (<a href="/ephesians/4.htm">Ephesians 4:1</a>, <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a>). The "ways of darkness" symbolize a life of sin, ignorance, and separation from God. Darkness is frequently used in Scripture to represent evil, confusion, and the absence of divine truth (<a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a>, <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a>). Culturally, darkness was feared and associated with danger and the unknown in ancient times, making it a powerful metaphor for moral and spiritual peril. This phrase warns against the allure of sin and the consequences of turning away from the light of God's wisdom. It also contrasts with Jesus Christ, who is described as the "light of the world" (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>), offering a path out of darkness and into spiritual enlightenment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>- Those who follow the teachings of wisdom and stay on the "straight paths" as described in Proverbs.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>- Individuals who choose to leave the straight paths and walk in the ways of darkness, representing a life of sin and folly.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_straight_paths.htm">The Straight Paths</a></b><br>- Symbolic of a life lived according to God's wisdom and righteousness.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ways_of_darkness.htm">The Ways of Darkness</a></b><br>- Represents a life of sin, ignorance, and separation from God's truth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is essential for discerning the straight paths from the ways of darkness. Seeking God's wisdom through prayer and scripture study helps us stay on the right path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_choices.htm">The Consequences of Choices</a></b><br>Our choices determine our path. Choosing to leave the straight paths leads to spiritual darkness and separation from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_deception.htm">Guarding Against Deception</a></b><br>The ways of darkness can be deceptive. We must be vigilant and discerning, using God's Word as our guide to avoid being led astray.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a></b><br>Surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals can help us stay on the straight paths and provide accountability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>If we find ourselves on the wrong path, repentance and turning back to God can restore us to the straight paths.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abiram_in_the_bible.htm">What signifies the wide gate leading to destruction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_satan_tempt_eve_in_eden.htm">What is the meaning of walking in darkness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god's_prediction_negate_free_will.htm">Does God's prediction of Israel's rebellion (Deut. 31:16) conflict with the principle of free will, implying a predetermined outcome?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_child_marriage.htm">What does Proverbs 1:7 mean by 'fools despise wisdom'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Who leave the paths of uprightness.</span> Between vers. 13 and 15 the teacher proceeds to give a more detailed description of those who speak perversely. <span class="accented">Who leave</span> (<span class="hebrew">הַעֹזְבִים</span> <span class="accented">haoz'vim</span>); literally, <span class="accented">forsaking</span>, but the present participle has the force of the preterite, as appears from the context. The men alluded to have already forsaken or deserted the paths of uprightness (see previous note on the word "man." <span class="accented">The paths of uprightness</span> (<span class="hebrew">אָרְחות יֹשֶׁר</span> <span class="accented">ar'khoth yosher</span>); the same as the "right paths" of ch. 4:11. The strict meaning of the Hebrew word translated "uprightness" is "straightness," and hence it stands opposed to "perverseness" in the previous verse. Uprightness is integrity, rectitude, honest dealing. The LXX. translators represent the forsaking of the paths of uprightness as a consequence resulting from walking in the ways of darkness, "O ye who have left the right ways by departing [<span class="greek">τοῦ πορεύεσβαι</span>, equivalent to <span class="accented">abeundo</span>] into the ways of darkness." Again, <span class="cmt_word">the ways of darkness</span> (<span class="hebrew">דַרְכֵי חשֶׁך</span>, <span class="accented">dar'chey kkoshek</span>) are opposed to the "paths of uprightness" which rejoice in the light. Darkness includes the two ideas of <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> ignorance and error (<a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a>; <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a>), and <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> evil deeds. <p>To walk in the ways of darkness, then, is to persist in a course of wilful ignorance, to reject deliberately the light of knowledge, and to work wickedness, by performing "the works of darkness (<span class="greek">τὰ ἔργα τοῦ</span> <span class="greek">σκύτους</span>)," which St. Paul exhorted the Church at Rome to east away (<a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a>), and by having fellowship with "the unfruitful works of darkness (<span class="greek">τὰ ἔργα τὰ ἀκάρπα τοῦ</span> <span class="greek">σκότους</span>)," against which the same apostle warned the Ephesians (<a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a>). They are ways of darkness, because they endeavour to hide themselves from God (<a href="/isaiah/29-15.htm">Isaiah 29:15</a>) and from man (<a href="/job/24-15.htm">Job 24:15</a>; <a href="/job/38-13.htm">Job 38:13, 15</a>). In their tendency and end they lead to the blackness of darkness forever. In Scripture darkness is associated with evil, just as light is with uprightness (see <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19, 20</a>). The same association of ideas is discoverable in the dualism of the Persian system, as formulated by Zoroaster - Ormuzd, the good principle, presides over the kingdom of light, while Ahriman, the principle of evil, is the ruler of the kingdom of darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/2-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">from those who leave</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֭עֹ֣זְבִים</span> <span class="translit">(ha·‘ō·zə·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the straight</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹ֑שֶׁר</span> <span class="translit">(yō·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3476.htm">Strong's 3476: </a> </span><span class="str2">Straightness, uprightness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">paths</span><br /><span class="heb">אָרְח֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_734.htm">Strong's 734: </a> </span><span class="str2">A well-trodden road, a caravan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to walk</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֝לֶ֗כֶת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·le·ḵeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the ways</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּדַרְכֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḏar·ḵê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of darkness,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹֽשֶׁךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·šeḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> </span><span class="str2">The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/2-13.htm">Proverbs 2:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/2-13.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:13 Who forsake the paths of uprightness (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 2:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/2-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 2:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>