Proverbs 29:27 kjv

An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Proverbs 29:27 nkjv

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Proverbs 29:27 niv

The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

Proverbs 29:27 esv

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

Proverbs 29:27 nlt

The righteous despise the unjust;
the wicked despise the godly.

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 27 Meaning

Proverbs 29:27 declares a fundamental and profound moral schism: those who align themselves with injustice are detestable to people who live righteously, and conversely, those who live upright lives are utterly repulsive to individuals who persist in wickedness. It highlights a core incompatibility and deep aversion between truth and error, light and darkness, and holiness and depravity.

Proverbs 29 27 Context

Proverbs 29 continues the theme of contrasting the righteous and the wicked, common throughout the book of Proverbs. This chapter specifically highlights the effects of just versus unjust rule on a nation, the impact of wisdom and foolishness within families, and the general behaviors and ultimate destinies of those who walk in different ways. The verses preceding and following 29:27 consistently differentiate between the characteristics and consequences for those who fear God and pursue wisdom, and those who do not. This verse acts as a strong summation, asserting that the moral divide between these two types of people is not merely one of difference, but one of inherent and mutual repulsion. It reflects the consistent biblical worldview where moral neutrality is impossible; one is either aligned with God's righteousness or with wickedness.

Proverbs 29 27 Word analysis

• An unjust man (אִ֣ישׁ עָ֑וֶל - ish 'awel):
  • אִ֣ישׁ (ish): General term for "man," "person."
  • עָ֑וֶל ('awel): Denotes iniquity, injustice, crookedness, wrongdoing. It refers not merely to a single act, but a disposition, a way of life characterized by perversity and a deviation from what is right or equitable. This person’s fundamental character is defined by a lack of justice and moral rectitude.
• is an abomination (תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת - to'evat):
  • תּוֹעֲבָה (to'evah): A powerful Hebrew term meaning "abomination," "detestable thing," or "abhorrence." It is frequently used in the Bible to describe something inherently repugnant or forbidden, often in a religious or moral context, particularly what is utterly offensive to God (e.g., idolatry, certain sexual practices, unjust dealings). When applied here between people, it signifies deep-seated moral repulsion and absolute incompatibility, rather than simple dislike or disapproval.
• to the righteous (לַצַּדִּֽיק - latzaddiq):
  • צַדִּיק (tzaddiq): Means "righteous" or "just." Refers to one who lives in conformity with divine law and moral uprightness, reflecting God's character. Such a person is characterized by integrity and fairness. They align their values and actions with God's standards.
• and one who is upright in way (וִישַׁ֖ר דֶּ֥רֶךְ - viyshar derekh):
  • וִישַׁר (viyshar): Means "and upright," "straight," "level," or "correct." Implies rectitude and integrity in character.
  • דֶּ֥רֶךְ (derekh): Means "way," "path," or "course of life." It speaks of one's conduct, manner, and overall direction of life. This phrase describes a person whose lifestyle and choices are consistently straight, proper, and morally sound, not deviating into crookedness.
• is an abomination (תּוֹעֲבָֽה - to'evah): (See above)
• to the wicked (לְרָשָֽׁע - lerasha):
  • רָשָׁע (rasha'): Denotes "wicked," "guilty," or "unrighteous." It describes one who violates divine and human laws, acting contrary to what is good and just, often with malice. This is the direct opposite of a tzaddiq and signifies a person whose very being is characterized by rebellion and opposition to God’s ways.

Words-group Analysis:

• "An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous": This phrase illuminates the moral sensitivity of the righteous. Because they reflect God's own holiness and love for justice, they instinctively find anything that deviates from God's character repugnant. Unrighteousness offends their God-given moral compass.
• "one who is upright in way is an abomination to the wicked": This clause reveals the profound antipathy of the wicked towards goodness. The very presence of an upright individual, whose life serves as a living standard of righteousness, inherently exposes and condemns the darkness and corruption of the wicked. They hate the light because their deeds are evil, and truth uncomfortably shines upon their hidden wickedness, provoking resentment, hostility, and even persecution.

Proverbs 29 27 Bonus section

The profound reciprocal "abomination" described in this verse is not accidental; it is the natural outcome of two completely different spiritual and moral allegiances. The righteous, guided by God's Spirit, grow to share God's perspective, detesting what God detests. The wicked, having chosen rebellion and darkness, naturally hate what reflects God's light, which is antithetical to their chosen path. This mutual abhorrence highlights the ultimate spiritual separation. It warns believers not to expect harmony or shared values with those fundamentally committed to injustice, but rather to anticipate moral friction and potentially opposition, echoing the eternal chasm between light and darkness, which will culminate in final divine judgment where righteousness is upheld and wickedness is eternally cast out.

Proverbs 29 27 Commentary

Proverbs 29:27 encapsulates an immutable moral reality: true righteousness and inherent wickedness are diametrically opposed and utterly incompatible. The term "abomination" (to'evah) is no mere term of dislike; it signifies a deep, visceral repugnance that operates on an ethical and spiritual plane. For the righteous, living in alignment with God's truth, injustice and all forms of wickedness are an affront to their very being, a reflection of God's holy character which despises evil. Their moral faculty is so tuned to God's standard that what offends God also deeply offends them.

Conversely, for the wicked, the upright person is equally abhorrent. This isn't just a clash of opinions; it's a conflict of fundamental natures. The light that shines from an upright life inevitably exposes the darkness of the wicked, illuminating their moral failings and condemning their chosen path. The presence of integrity and truth often provokes hostility from those committed to deceit and unrighteousness, as it implicitly challenges their worldview and justifies their condemnation. This verse therefore explains the deep and often irreducible friction observed between individuals and groups embodying these opposing moral principles throughout human history, showing that such a conflict is rooted in a fundamental spiritual and ethical schism.

• Example 1: A community leader who selflessly works for public good often faces ridicule and undermining from those whose positions rely on corruption.
• Example 2: A person who consistently speaks truth may be shunned or even hated by those who thrive on manipulation and deceit.
• Example 3: In a setting rife with gossip, an individual who refuses to participate becomes an unwelcome presence, disrupting the "flow" of negativity.