Dec 4 Devotion: Forward or Froward

1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

         The English word “froward” is found only one time in the New Testament in the King James Bible. It means to be warped, which is a distortion or deviation from what is right. The same Greek word is translated crooked and untoward in other passages (according to the context). A modern definition of the word means to be willfully contrary or not easily managed. The word “froward” is found nine times in the Old Testament and only in the book of Proverbs. All the different Hebrew words that are translated as “froward” also help to give a vivid picture of what the word is describing. The word in Proverbs means, to be perverse or a fraud, to be distorted, to twine or wrestle (twist), to turn aside or depart.

         As I looked at this word, it became clear that to go in a “froward” direction with a “froward” attitude is to go in a contrary direction from going forward. To use the synonym “untoward” shows us that it is the opposite of going toward where we should be going. It is going in the wrong direction. There is a lack of progress and instead, there is a regress (a going backward). To apply the intent of the word, to go “froward” is to go contrary to Christ and forward is to go toward him and to walk with him.

         It is interesting that every time I type the word froward on my computer, the word program changes it to forward. The grammar check makes more sense than some people. We need to change our “froward” direction of life into a forward life for Christ. A contrary, crooked, untoward path that many have chosen leads away from what is right and proper; (and let the point be clear,) it is a choice. If you know Christ as your Savior, you do not have to go in a “froward” direction. The question could be asked, how often do we need to change directions? The answer is, as often as we are not going in the right direction. (Just like my computer, every time we are “froward” we need to change to forward.) Faith leads forward. Faith leads towards home. Faith walks with God in a positive direction. The walk of faith brings glory of God. So, what are we choosing: forward or froward. Only one honors the Lord.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5