April 20, 2026 Morning Devotional

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverb 21:8  The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

In our text, the word “forward” is  word which means perverse.

Perverse: 1. Literally, turned aside; hence, distorted from the right.

2. Obstinate in the wrong; disposed to be contrary; stubborn; untractable.

3. Cross; petulant; peevish; disposed to cross and vex.

(Websters Dictionary 1828)

The word “strange” means to be guilty. In my own words, it means a perverse man is guilty but the work of the pure is right.

The word guilty is a word that means a law has been broken and a sentence applied to the offender. Most people would say, “I feel guilty” for a wrong doing. That is not right. A person feels shame because of the sentence of guilt. Guilt or being guilty is a legal term applied when one breaks the law. Shame is the result of guilt.

What is the only law that a froward and strange or a perverse and guilty man breaks? He breaks the law of God.

Another verse that coincides with our text is found in the book of Titus

Titus 1:15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Sometimes the forward and strange do not even know they are forward and strange or perverse and guilty. Let me give you an example.

On April 5 this year many people celebrated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Others, even Christians, celebrated Easter. Easter is a pagan holiday from the false cultic god Ishtar, a god of fertility. The eggs and the rabbit are symbols of fertility. Those who celebrate with egg hunts and Easter baskets and such often do not know they have been deceived and are froward and strange in the eyes of God. They just think it’s fun.

My friend, are you forward and strange or are you pure and right? Jesus is the only one who can create in you a clean heart and make pure that which is impure.

My Christian friend, have you drifted from God and embraced impurity? God gives us some wisdom concerning this problem.

James 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

1John 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook