Proverbs 11:20

20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the 1blameless in their walk are His 2delight.

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 The wicked earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward.
19 He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.
20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD , But the blameless in their walk are His delight.
21 Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.
22 As a ring of gold in a swine's snout So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 119:1; Proverbs 13:6
  • 2. 1 Chronicles 29:17

Footnotes 1

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.