Proverbs 16:5

5 All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the Lord; be assured, they will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 16:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:5

Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the
Lord
Though he may dissemble his pride, and not discover it in his looks, by his words and gestures; yet the Lord sees and knows the heart, the naughtiness of it, and the pride that is in it: and only a proud look, but a proud heart, is abominable to him: everyone that is so arrogant as to arraign the decrees of God, and quarrel with him about them, to whom the apostle says, "Nay, but, O man", O proud vain man, "who art thou, that repliest against God?" ( Romans 9:19-21 ) ; every proud Pharisee, that trusts in himself that he is righteous, and despises others, that justifies himself before men, is an abomination in the sight of God, ( Luke 18:9 ) ( 16:15 ) ; particularly antichrist, who has not only a proud look, a look more stout than his fellows, but a proud heart; exalts himself above all that is called God; and not only speaks big words against the most High, but has it in his heart to change times and laws; and proudly imagines he shall always continue in his grandeur and prosperity, ( Daniel 7:25 ) ( 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ) ( Revelation 18:7 ) ; [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished;
though he endeavours with both hands, with all his might and main, to secure himself and prevent his ruin, he shall not be able to do it; though he enters into confederacy with, and calls in the kings of the earth to his assistance, it will be of no avail, both he and they shall be destroyed; or out of hand, immediately, his destruction will come upon him, ( Revelation 16:14 Revelation 16:16 ) ( 18:8 ) ( 19:19-21 ) ; (See Gill on Proverbs 11:21); The Targum is,

``from evil he shall not be cleared;''
and the Syriac version,
``he that stretcheth out his hand against his neighbour shall not be cleared from evil.''

Proverbs 16:5 In-Context

3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the Lord; be assured, they will not go unpunished.
6 By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.
7 When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.