Proverbs 2:13

who leave ¹  the upright ²  paths to walk on the dark ³  ways,

Job 24:13-16; Ps 14:3; Ps 36:3; Pr 4:19; Pr 21:16; Eze 18:26; Eze 33:12,13; Zep 1:6; Mt 12:43-45; Joh 1:6; Joh 2:9-11; Joh 3:19,20; Joh 12:35; Ro 1:21; 1Th 5:5-7; 2Ti 4:10; Heb 6:4-6; 2Pe 2:20-22; 1Jo 2:19

¹ tn The articular plural active participle functions as attributive adjective for אִישׁ (’ish, “man”) in v. 12b, indicating that אִישׁ (“man”) is collective.

² tn Heb “paths of uprightness.” The noun יָשָׁר (yashar, “uprightness; straightness”) is an attributive genitive. The moral life is described in Proverbs as the smooth, straight way (2:13; 4:11). The wicked abandon the clear straight path for an evil, crooked, uncertain path.

³ tn Heb “ways of darkness.” Darkness is often metaphorical for sinfulness, ignorance, or oppression. Their way of life lacks spiritual illumination.