Proverbs 11:20 kjv

They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

Proverbs 11:20 nkjv

Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the blameless in their ways are His delight.

Proverbs 11:20 niv

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

Proverbs 11:20 esv

Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight.

Proverbs 11:20 nlt

The LORD detests people with crooked hearts,
but he delights in those with integrity.

Proverbs 11 verses

Proverbs 11 20 Meaning

Proverbs 11:20 presents a clear moral contrast, declaring God's intense disapproval for those whose inner moral compass is distorted and deceptive. Such a heart manifests in crooked living, which is utterly detestable in the eyes of the Holy God. Conversely, the verse affirms God's deep pleasure and acceptance for those whose lives are characterized by integrity and blameless conduct, walking in truth and righteousness according to His ways. It emphasizes that both internal disposition and external behavior are foundational to one's standing with the Divine.

Proverbs 11 20 Context

Proverbs 11 is a collection of contrasting proverbs that emphasize the stark differences between the righteous and the wicked. The chapter cycles through themes of integrity versus dishonesty, humility versus pride, righteousness versus wickedness, and their corresponding outcomes, both earthly and divine. It highlights how outward conduct is a reflection of inward character. Verse 20 directly aligns with this overarching theme by focusing on the heart's condition and the life path (ways) it produces, asserting God's immutable judgment and favor based on this internal and external reality. Historically, this proverb was a wisdom instruction for ancient Israel, guiding them in a society where external conformity sometimes masked internal corruption, and teaching them that Yahweh evaluates beyond appearances. It stood as an implicit polemic against superficial religious observance without genuine heart transformation and against the prevalent pagan deities who were often depicted as morally indifferent to the actions of their worshipers.

Proverbs 11 20 Word analysis

• Those who are twisted (נִלְוֵי־לֵב, nilwey-lev): This phrase, translating to "twisted of heart," carries a profound meaning.
  • twisted (נִלְוֵי, nilwey, from root לוז, luz): Implies perverseness, crookedness, deceit, or turning away from the straight path. It denotes moral distortion, a lack of integrity that deviates from the standard of God's truth. It suggests an inward disposition that is inherently contrary to righteousness, much like a physical object that is bent out of its proper shape.
• in heart (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is not merely the emotional center, but the seat of the will, intellect, character, and moral decision-making. It's the core of a person's being from which thoughts, intentions, and motivations spring. So, "twisted in heart" signifies that the very essence of their moral identity and thought process is corrupt.
• are an abomination (תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה, to'evat YHWH): This is an extremely strong expression of divine repulsion.
  • abomination (תּוֹעֲבָה, to'evah): Denotes something detestable, disgusting, morally repugnant to God. It is a severe term often used in the Old Testament for idolatry, grave sexual sins, and unethical practices that directly violate God's holy character and covenant commands. It signifies that such a heart and its actions are utterly offensive to the holiness and righteousness of Yahweh.
• to the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): Refers to the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing that His divine nature of purity and justice is diametrically opposed to wickedness. This is not a human preference but a divine standard.
• but those whose ways are blameless (וּתְמִימֵי־דָרֶךְ, utmimey-darekh): Presents the stark antithesis.
  • blameless (תָּמִים, tamim): Means whole, complete, sound, perfect, upright, innocent, or lacking blemish. It refers to moral integrity, sincerity, and consistently walking in accord with God's commands without hypocrisy. It doesn't imply sinlessness in an absolute sense, but rather a profound commitment to God's will, characterized by a striving for purity and truth, where the internal and external are aligned.
  • ways (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh): Signifies one's conduct, path of life, habitual behavior, or manner of living. It encapsulates the practical outworking of one's inner character.
• are His delight (רְצוֹנוֹ, retzono): The opposite of "abomination."
  • delight (רָצוֹן, ratzon): Denotes pleasure, favor, good will, acceptance, or what is pleasing. It implies divine approval, blessing, and joy found in the righteous. God finds satisfaction and takes joy in those whose lives exemplify moral integrity and uprightness, reflecting His own character.

Words-group analysis

• Those who are twisted in heart...are an abomination to the LORD: This phrase emphasizes that God's judgment penetrates beyond mere external acts to the inner spring of motivation and character. A perverted internal disposition directly causes abhorrent behavior, making the person and their actions repugnant to a holy God. It highlights the inseparability of heart and action.
• ...but those whose ways are blameless are His delight: This contrasting phrase stresses the reward for moral integrity. The "ways" (conduct) are a direct outflow of a "blameless" (integrated, upright) internal character. God takes active pleasure in those whose entire life's course is marked by integrity, a spiritual acceptance and favor. The blameless way reflects a heart undivided in its loyalty to God.

Proverbs 11 20 Bonus section

The contrast in this proverb, "abomination" versus "delight," illustrates God's uncompromisable moral character. It underscores the concept of divine retribution or consequence; God's reaction is directly proportional to human conduct stemming from the heart. The Hebrew wisdom tradition, as seen here, does not merely list behaviors but traces them back to the state of the inner person. The "blameless" ideal, tamim, is a recurring theme from Genesis (Gen 17:1), signifying a life of devotion and integrity required for covenant relationship. This verse strongly affirms that living righteously is not just for human benefit but fundamentally pleases the Creator of righteousness itself. It sets up an either/or scenario: one is either living in defiance of God's moral nature and is abhorrent, or living in alignment with it and is His beloved.

Proverbs 11 20 Commentary

Proverbs 11:20 lays bare the core principle of God's moral evaluation: He looks at the heart, and that inner state invariably shapes the outer walk. The "twisted heart" refers to a disposition fundamentally warped by deceit, ill-intent, and perversity—it's a moral compass deliberately set awry, resulting in a crooked life. Such an internal state and its corresponding actions are an "abomination" to the LORD, signifying utter moral repugnance in God's holy sight, as He is a God of truth and justice. Conversely, "blameless ways" denote a life characterized by integrity, wholeness, and moral uprightness, a consistent alignment of internal commitment and external conduct with God's standards. This sincere devotion and consistent obedience evoke God's "delight," demonstrating His profound favor and pleasure in those who reflect His character. This verse teaches that outward obedience without inward integrity is hollow, while genuine uprightness flows from a pure heart and earns divine favor.