What does Proverbs 14:2 mean?

Scripture makes it clear that ultimate truth—including that which is good—comes from an understanding of God (Proverbs 1:7). This leads to a relatively simple explanation of what leads to good or evil conduct. An upright person follows a path of righteousness and fears the Lord. A devious person follows a path of sin and despises the Lord. The term translated "uprightness" is also seen in Proverbs 2:13 and Proverbs 4:11 and implies something "straight" or honest. In contrast, the term rendered "devious" means something "lost, perverted, or deviant," and is seen in Proverbs 2:15 and Proverbs 3:32.

A person's lifestyle shows whether he is sincerely seeking good, loving the Lord, or is unrighteous and ignores God (John 14:15). Jesus made this distinction clear. He said, "So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit" (Matthew 7:17–18). While we need to be careful not to judge others unfairly (John 7:24; 1 Samuel 16:7), a person's life eventually reveals whether they are righteous or unrighteous. "Thus you will recognize [false prophets] by their fruits" (Matthew 7:20). If a person reverences the Lord, he will despise sin; but if he despises the Lord, he will love sin. There is no middle ground.