Proverbs 2:12-15 “Wisdom Blessing #3: Protection from the Evil Man”

(12) To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things,  (13) from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness;  (14) who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked;  (15) whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths. 


The first two blessings of wisdom are knowing God & discernment for living. Wisdom now provides its third blessing: protection from evil men and their perverse paths. If the young man has heeded his fathers exhortation to learn wisdom, when the wicked, perverse man comes, the wisdom the young man has stored up will recognize the wicked man and guide the son away.

Who is this wicked man? When you read this, you may picture a hunched over, gangly, old man. I don’t think that is who this wise father is warning his son about. The son is young and is making friends. The wise father is most likely warning his son to be careful of his peers, those who are his own age. Those are the ones he is most likely to be tempted by. They pose the greatest danger as the young man begins to make friends that will influence the course of his life. Wicked men don't come with a warning sign around their neck stating that they are wicked, will ruin your life, and you need to avoid them. They come, sound enticing, and offer fun. However, wisdom learned in earlier times will send the warning so that you are not lured away. These are the type of young men that you must avoid and not associate with. This is one of the ways wisdom will preserve you (see v. 11).
These are the wicked men that come and offer their version of ‘fun.’ This ‘fun’ is at the expense of others. Their speech is wicked, a sure indication of what is in their heart. These wicked men have no interest in walking rightly, only in darkness. The delight in doing evil and in the perversity of others. They follow the path that leads to destruction. They have no interest in or fear of the Lord. They enjoy their wickedness and desire to bring others to join  their wickedness. Their paths are in direct contrast to the right paths wisdom will guide you in (see v. 9).
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Related Scriptures: Acts 20:30
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Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” - 1 Corinthians 15:33