"For the devious are an abomination to the Lord; but He is intimate with the upright"
devious
This is the Hebrew word luz which means to turn aside, to depart. It is translated as depart, devious, guile, vanish. This is the person who trusts more in their own schemes than in a straightforward approach to things. They operate through backroom deals and complicated deceptions in order to get what they want. When everything has to be hidden, there are elements of unrighteousness. Why can't everyone see what you are up to?
Solomon is trying to help the young person studying wisdom under his care. Don't get too enamored with schemes and deception. It looks like it produces winners, but usually it has to be hidden because there is a major loser hidden in there somewhere. Wisdom looks for the triple win. It digs for the way to have everyone but the wicked win.
intimate
This is the Hebrew word sod which means counsel, fellowship, consultation, secrets. Solomon is clearly setting up a direct contrast between the secret schemes of the devious person and the straightforward person who gets let in on the secrets of the Lord. Which do you want to have – your own schemes or the Lord's secrets?
upright
This is the Hebrew word yashar which means straight, right. This word conveys the idea of the person who takes the straight path. This is the one who does not have a lot of schemes and trickery to their life. It is a direct contrast to the person who is devious. The upright person stays within the boundaries of the Ten Commandments. This person looks to glorify God – to bring about a win for those around them, for themselves, and for God.
Until tomorrow,
Gil Stieglitz