Proverb 10:9

“He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.“

The word “walking” in this context has very specific connotations. When I think of the mere act of walking, it’s the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other that comes to mind. But the Hebrew word for “walk” is indicative of the direction of the wayfarer’s steps. The definition of the word reveals explicit direction—the intentional pursuit of a Way, a destination. A few of the definitions include words like “to walk; to carry: again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away) depart, follow, get (away), go (away), grow, lead (forth), march, prosper, pursue, cause to run.”

So the walking in this instance is toward something and away from something else. And it seems as though the suggested walk is brisk at times. Makes me think of the times in scripture we’re told to “flee” from sin, idolatry, youthful passions, and the like to pursue righteousness, godliness, and goodness. 

This person who guides his steps in this Way is secure.

The alternative is to pervert the Way. He alters his path and gets off course. He loses aim of his destination and corrupts or distorts his journey ByTheWay. Just two short verses ago, we were told that the name of the wicked will rot and gathered that his memory would be banished. So why, here, does it say he will become known? Am I wrong to assume those who pervert their path are wicked? 

The wicked is one who is morally wrong. The Perverse merely gets off track. Perhaps he becomes wicked if he doesn’t find his Way again; if ultimately he chooses to go the wrong way. Until then, his Way is simply perverted. 

After looking up “known” it’s evident that Lady Wisdom has a soft spot for his kind.l He won’t be known in the sense that he will have fame or make a name for his perverse actions. His isn’t so much making an eternal memory of his name by way of his steps like the righteous man. Rather he will be known, seen, understood and pursued by Lady Wisdom herself when he wanders astray. She will know when he gets off course. She will know why he’s off course. She will observe his wrong turns, care for his distorted mind, recognize the state of his heart and mind, give him instruction to find his way, designate instruction, punish him when he doesn’t obey, advise him, answer his calls for help. She will become his friend and he will be known in her eyes.