“They are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith” (Deuteronomy 32:20).

The word “froward” has fallen into disuse, but it simply means to turn back or turn aside, as in “to” vs. “fro” (cf “toward”). Note the following. “Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not His testimonies: But turned back . . . they were turned aside like a deceitful bow” (Psalm 78:56,57). Proverbs speaks of froward paths (2:15), a froward mouth (4:24), froward words (8:8), a froward tongue (10:31), a froward heart (11:20), and a froward man (16:28).

By contrast, the Christian’s walk is to be a concentrated “forward” movement. “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:25–27). We are commanded to “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). The psalmist determined “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Psalm 101:3).

It is interesting that the first command in Scripture to “go forward” was directed to the children of Israel at the bank of the Red Sea. Psalm 78:52,53 records the incident thus: “But made His own people to go forth [or go forward] like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And He led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.”

We may during times of weakness or discouragement feel like turning back or turning aside, but we must always remember to be “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). CJH