Proverb 2:12

“To deliver you from the way of evil
From the man who speaks perverse things,”

Here we see what it is, they (discretion and understanding) are watching for and guarding us from:

The way of evil.

As opposed to the “paths of justice” (vs. 8), “way of His saints” (vs. 8), “every good path” (vs. 9) we are intended to traverse. 

The “man who speaks perverse things” is one who, I presume, is under the influence of evil. Who has succumbed his ways to anything other than the path for which he was created. Who is influenced by and fallen for tricks of the devil. Or perhaps, it’s the devil himself who speaks these perverse things.

“The way of evil” belongs to him. It is introduced to us, at every intersection ByTheWay. There is a way carved out for us. It’s a simple task to keep our tread glued to it. One foot in front of the other. Sure-footed. Grounded. Lead. 

But we are enticed. We are tricked. We are duped into taking turns and detours and “scenic routes”.  Only to find unexpected dead-ends, reoccurring u-turns and paths that lead to nowhere.

If only we would stick to the path! 

Let discretion and understanding do their job.

Heed their warning signs and keep prodding ahead. For that is the path that belongs to you.

How will you know? The way of the evil one is dark. For God is light.