Proverbs 12:22

22 The LORD hates those whose lips tell lies. But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.

Proverbs 12:22 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 12:22

Lying lips [are] abomination to the Lord
Such that speak lies in common talk; and that deliver out doctrinal lies, false doctrines, lies in hypocrisy, as are the doctrines of Rome; these are abominable unto God; as being contrary to his nature as the God of truth; contrary to the Scriptures of truth he has endited; contrary to the truth of the Gospel he has published; contrary to his Son, who is truth itself; and to the Spirit of truth, which leads into all truth, as it is in Jesus; wherefore an abomination and a lie are joined together, ( Revelation 21:27 ) ; but they that deal truly [are] his delight;
or the objects of "his good will" and pleasure, as the word ^F9 signifies; they are grateful and acceptable to him; he is well-pleased with them, and delights in them. Not only such that speak the truth, but "do the truth" ^F11, as the words may be rendered; whose words and actions, doctrine and life, agree together: it is not enough to embrace, profess, or preach the truth, but he must practise it; see ( John 3:21 ) ( 1 John 1:6 ) ; he must deal truly with God and men, or faithfully, as the Targum and Vulgate Latin version; he must be true to his word and promises, and faithfully perform what he has agreed unto. Or, "that work faith"; that work the work of faith, that faith which works by love; that live on Christ and his righteousness; such are well pleasing to God; without which faith it is impossible to please him, ( Hebrews 11:6 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (wnwur) "est beneplacitum ejus", Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus; "accepti sunt ei", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius.
F11 (hnwma yve) "facientibus veritatem", Pagninus, Mercerus, Gejerus; "facientes veritatem", Montanus; "qui faciunt veritatem", Cocceius.

Proverbs 12:22 In-Context

20 There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil. But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.

21 No harm comes to godly people. But sinners have all the trouble they can handle.

22 The LORD hates those whose lips tell lies. But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.

23 Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves. But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things.

24 Hands that work hard will rule. But people who don't want to work will become slaves.