Proverbs 11:20

20 The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

Proverbs 11:20 in Other Translations

KJV
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
ESV
20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight.
NLT
20 The LORD detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity.
MSG
20 God can't stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity.
CSB
20 Those with twisted minds are detestable to the Lord, but those with blameless conduct are His delight.

Proverbs 11:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 11:20

They that are of a froward heart [are] abomination to the
Lord
Such as are men of perverse dispositions and principles; that are contrary to the light of nature, the law of God, and Gospel of Christ; who, like the Jews of old, please not God, and are contrary to all men, to all good men; as antichrist and his followers, these work abomination, and make a lie, and speak lies in hypocrisy; are double hearted men, hypocrites, that say one thing and mean another; and, under the pretence of religion, do the vilest things: such of all men are abominable in the sight of God, and will have their portion in the lake of fire, in the hottest place in hell, as hypocrites will, ( Revelation 21:8 Revelation 21:27 ) ( Matthew 24:51 ) ; but [such as are] upright in [their] way [are] his delight;
or, "in the way"; there being no need of a supplement: such as are in the way, Christ, and walk by faith in him, and in the paths of truth and holiness, in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless, who are the "undefiled in the way", as in ( Psalms 119:1 ) , where the same words are used as here: or, are "perfect" in Christ; though not in faith, nor in their walk and conversation; yet are sincere, Israelites indeed, and walk uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel. These the Lord takes delight and pleasure in; he is well pleased with their persons in Christ; and in their walk and works, as they flow from right principles, and are directed to right ends, and being upright in all; see ( Psalms 84:11 ) .

Proverbs 11:20 In-Context

18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.
20 The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Proverbs 3:32
  • 2. S Numbers 14:8
  • 3. S 1 Chronicles 29:17; S Psalms 15:2; Psalms 101:1-4; S Psalms 119:1; Proverbs 12:2,22; Proverbs 15:9
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