DEFINITION OF “FROWARD”

 

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

 

DEFINITION OF “FROWARD”

 

Prov 16:28

28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. KJV

 

          The old English word “froward” can be found in the King James Version 21 times in 20 verses. I’m sure the folks in yonder times understood it well, but we stumble over it and often get it wrong. Yet we probably are acquainted with some of these folks.

 

          The etymology of the word springs from a cape in southern Chile on the Strait of Magellan. Evidently it faces against the wind. So, a froward man faces against the flow. Hence, the idea of being obstinate and hard to deal with.

 

          The Biblical meaning adds a spiritual and moral element. It is elsewhere translated “perverse.” The English Standard Version uses the word “dishonest.” The fact that “froward” is translated in so many different ways only points out the difficulty it presents in understanding. Yet, we FEEL it more than understand it.

 

          The word perverse, as it is often used, has the idea of turning from or turning away. A perverse man is unwilling to comply with what is required. Not only does he cut corners, but he is predisposed to doing the bare minimum. He is ungovernable because he despises authority. This also defines the word refractory which is unmanageable. Deuteronomy 32:20 speaks of a “froward generation, children in whom is no faith.”

 

          There is reported to be a new REVIVAL at Asbury College. Though some are skeptical, we pray that it is real, biblically based, and Holy Spirit empowered. We shall surely see in time.

 

2 Sam 22:27

27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury. KJV

 

Ah, Lord God. Let me not become froward. Let me yield to what is right. AMEN