Proverbs 12:22

22 1Lying lips are 2an abomination to the LORD, 3but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Images for Proverbs 12:22

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 ) .


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 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Cross References 3

  • 1. [Revelation 22:15]; See Proverbs 6:17
  • 2. Proverbs 11:20
  • 3. [Proverbs 11:1]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.