A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. (Psalm 101:4)
"Froward" describes something that is headed in the opposite direction. It is a compound word – "fro" (away) and "ward" (as in toward); "toward away," or heading in the opposite direction. Daniel Webster defined the word in 1828 as, "perverse, that is, turning from, with aversion or reluctance; not willing to yield or comply with what is required; unyielding; ungovernable; refractory; disobedient; peevish."
We have here another example of the fact that what is in our hearts works its way out in our lives. If our hearts have turned away from God's word, that can only stay inside for so long. Eventually it will work its way out. The froward heart precedes the departure from God in Psalm 101:4. The froward heart causes the departure from God in Psalm 101:4. Not the other way around.
Now, does the above definition describe your heart's response to any of God's words or God's commands? Not willing to comply? Unyielding? Aversion? Reluctance? Peevish? Does preaching annoy you? Does a rebuke from a friend or parent annoy you? Are there any Bible verses or Bible doctrines that annoy you? If so, your heart is froward. And you had better beware.
Those with froward hearts devise mischief (Proverbs 6:14). They sow strife (Proverbs 16:28). They find no good (Proverbs 17:20). God places thorns and snares in their way (Proverbs 22:5) because they are an abomination unto Him (Proverbs 3:32; 11:20). He hates the froward mouth (Proverbs 8:13) and will cut out the froward tongue (Proverbs 10:31). Ouch!
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