Definition Of Froward
Froward is a word used in the Bible to describe someone who is obstinately perverse or wilfully disobedient. The word froward is used several times in the King James Version of the Bible, and it is typically translated to mean someone who has a stubborn and disobedient attitude or behavior.In Proverbs 16:29, it is written, “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” This verse speaks about the danger of letting a rebel person sow strife within a group, as this person will intentionally seek to create division between the most loyal of friends.
Biblical Perspective
From a biblical perspective, a froward person is someone who has chosen to resist the will of God. The froward person has actively made a decision to go against the commandments that God has set forth. By disobeying His commands, this person is turning away from God and choosing to walk in a rebellious way. This is not something that is reasonable in God’s eyes.
At the same time, though, the Bible speaks to the fact that frowardness is not something that is entrenched within a person by nature, but rather it is something that they can choose to stay away from. In Jeremiah 3:14, it is said, “Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” This verse speaks to God’s mercy and His unwavering love for us, something that is not even diminished when someone has chosen to be disobedient.
Connecting To The Almighty
Despite the rebellious attitude of a froward person, God still endeavors to reconnect with them and help them come back on track. It is through His mercy, His kindness and His forgiveness that we can once again feel His presence and be able to reconnect with Him. This is something that is discussed in many different verses of the Bible.
In Ezekiel 18:30 and 31, it is said, “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” This is the Lord encouraging us to turn our hearts back to Him, so that we can have His love and favor on our lives and be forgiven of our sins.
Consequences Of Frowardness
Despite the mercy and forgiveness that God offers, there are still consequences for being froward and disobedient. This is something that is talked about in the book of Proverbs and throughout the Bible. Proverbs 14:9 states, “Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” This speaks about how the world may view sin differently, but ultimately, we will all face judgement for our actions.
The Lord has said that if we persist in living a rebellious, froward lifestyle there will be consequences. In Deuteronomy 28:15 it is said, “But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:” This verse speaks about how all of the consequences that we experience for our disobedience or lack of obedience should be seen as a warning to absorb, lest we find ourselves in a place of ruin.
Finding Redemption
Ultimately, though, despite the consequences of a froward lifestyle, there is still redemption. As long as we are willing to turn from our wicked and disobedient ways, and return to God, we will find forgiveness and grace. Isaiah 55:7 says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” This speaks to the mercy and forgiveness that God has for us, should we be willing to ask for it.
Is Frowardness A Choice?
One of the main questions surrounding the concept of frowardness is whether it is something that someone is born with or whether it is a choice they make. Ultimately, the Bible speaks to this in several places and makes the distinction between those who were born under the law, and those who have chosen to rebel against what the law stands for.
In Romans 5:12 it is said, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” This speaks about how all of us are born with sin, something we cannot escape. At the same time, though, that does not make it acceptable for us to continue to pursue a froward lifestyle.
A Keeping With God’s Will
In order to stay with the will of God, we need to make sure that we remain obedient and that we have faith in His plans and His promises. Psalm 119:67 states, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” This speaks of a person who has gone astray but has then returned to the Lord’s ways and kept His word.
Ultimately, though, if we are to stay with God’s will, we need to make sure we are in constant communication with Him. We must actively seek out the guidance and direction that God wishes for us and then act in accordance with that. We need to be willing to accept the support that God offers us and to seek it out actively.
Conclusion
Froward is a word used in the Bible to describe someone who is willfully disobedient and persistent in their defiance. It is something that we must be careful not to get involved in, as it is potentially ruinous to us. We must make it our purpose to stay within the will of God, so that we can reap the benefits and blessings that come with living within the will of God. As long as we are willing to turn our hearts back to Him, no matter how far we have gone astray, God will always have unconditional love and grace for us.
