3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Perverse and Duplicitous
The NIV words this verse in this way: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.“
Notice the first part is the same. Technically, so is the second part.
The KJV reminds us that sinners are perverse. When most people hear or read “perverse” they tend to think of sexual deviants of various sorts. Perverseness as defined by Merriam-Webster states in their first two definitions:
1a: turned away from what is right or good :corrupt
b:improper, incorrect
c: contrary to the evidence or the direction of the judge on a point of law <perverse verdict>2a: obstinate in opposing what is right, reasonable, or accepted :wrongheaded
b: arising from or indicative of stubbornness or obstinacy
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Heavenly Father, help us live a life that honors You. Clean our hands and purify our hearts that we may not be perverse or double-minded. Thank You for saving us from our sins, now please save us from ourselves. Make us a people of integrity, grace, and love.
Chris Jordan
Daniel M. Klem
David
Grady Davidson
Jason Sneed
Nick
Anthony Baker
Katie Marie
September 2nd, 2012 at 12:52 am
So, let me get this straight. Are you saying we are all perverts? Hmmm? Yeah, I guess you are. And I guess you are right. Sadly. We have all acted perversely at some point (except Grady Davidson, of course).
September 2nd, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Yep.
September 16th, 2012 at 12:06 am
[...] NIV starts this verse “The Lord detests men of perverse heart“. Remember what was said on verse three, that we all have perverse hearts and minds and are in need of a [...]