The term "froward" is used in the Bible to describe a particular aspect of the character of the wicked. It denotes a disposition that is contrary, perverse, and rebellious against God and His righteous ways. The froward person is one who deliberately chooses to deviate from the path of righteousness, often displaying a stubborn and obstinate spirit.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 2:12-15 : "Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perversity of evil, whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious." This passage highlights the froward nature of the wicked, emphasizing their delight in perversity and deviation from the straight paths of righteousness.

2. Proverbs 3:32 : "For the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright." Here, the froward are described as detestable to the Lord, contrasting with the upright who find favor in His sight. This underscores the moral repugnance of frowardness in the eyes of God.

3. Proverbs 4:24 : "Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech." The admonition to avoid perverse speech reflects the broader biblical teaching that frowardness often manifests in corrupt communication, which is a hallmark of the wicked.

4. Proverbs 6:12-14 : "A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth, winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers. With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord." This description of the wicked person includes the froward characteristic of a perverse mouth and deceitful heart, leading to discord and strife.

5. Proverbs 8:13 : "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech." The fear of the Lord is contrasted with the frowardness of perverse speech and conduct, which are abhorred by God.

6. Proverbs 11:20 : "The LORD detests those with perverse hearts, but He delights in those whose ways are blameless." This verse reiterates the divine detestation of frowardness, particularly as it resides in the heart, the wellspring of human behavior.

7. Proverbs 16:28 : "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." The froward individual is depicted as a source of division and strife, using perverse means to disrupt harmony and fellowship.

8. Proverbs 17:20 : "The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble." The froward heart is linked to an inability to find good, and deceitful speech leads to inevitable trouble, illustrating the self-destructive nature of frowardness.

Theological Implications:

The character of the wicked, as exemplified by frowardness, is fundamentally opposed to the nature and will of God. Frowardness is not merely a set of actions but a deep-seated disposition that rejects divine authority and moral order. It is characterized by a willful turning away from truth and righteousness, often manifesting in speech and actions that sow discord and promote evil. The biblical portrayal of frowardness serves as a warning to the faithful to guard their hearts and align their lives with the wisdom and righteousness of God.Proverbs 21:8
The way of man is fraudulent and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 57:17
For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.
Nave's Topical Index

Concerning Peaceableness
... It shows us the character of a true saint. ... The Septuagint renders it There is no
joy to the wicked'. Froward spirits do not enjoy what they possess, but ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

The King --Continued.
... of God in His providence, of which only the psalm speaks, is modified according
to our moral character, being full ... The froward, the wicked, privy slanderers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/x the kingcontinued.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things, who ... blood, an heart that deviseth
wicked imaginations, feet ... cruelty, lying, is the very character of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

The Disputes of the Faithful to be Settled by the Decisions of the ...
... and with the froward Thou wilt be froward." [2789] Walk ... a wicked action after one
manner, and a wicked word after ... But why did we say that the character of the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vi the disputes of the.htm

God's Love for a Sinning World
... turned over His hand upon the wicked of our ... be, for there was nothing amiable in
their character. ... in this case, for a rebellious, froward, prodigal offspring. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.htm

Moral Depravity.
... by nature, or a child is naturally froward." This,' he ... the text last examined, that
the wicked are estranged ... the first moral conduct and character of children ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxiii moral depravity.htm

"And this is his Commandment," &C.
... because the heart of man is desperately wicked, and hath ... of dealing with men suitable
to their froward natures; he ... to their own seal to the character or truth ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii and this is.htm

Messiah's Innocence vindicated
... to the good, but also to the froward; this indicates a ... He was crucified by wicked
men; but He prayed for ... to be a distinguishing feature in the character of His ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxiv messiahs innocence vindicated.htm

Ahab and Micaiah
... and cast, so to speak, of His character, should be ... that 'to the froward He shows
Himself froward.' and opposes ... things like this, 'Then shall the wicked go away ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ahab and micaiah.htm

Accidents, not Punishments
... been a drunkard, he has lost his character, and it ... righteous perish suddenly as well
as the wicked"that the ... the innocent as well as the perverse and froward. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/accidents not punishments.htm

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