Proverbs 3:32 kjv

For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

Proverbs 3:32 nkjv

For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, But His secret counsel is with the upright.

Proverbs 3:32 niv

For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.

Proverbs 3:32 esv

for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence.

Proverbs 3:32 nlt

Such wicked people are detestable to the LORD,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 32 Meaning

Proverbs 3:32 states a fundamental divine principle: the Lord finds those who are deceitful, perverse, or crooked in their ways utterly detestable. Conversely, He draws near in intimate fellowship and reveals His deeper counsel and secrets to those who walk in integrity and moral uprightness.

Proverbs 3 32 Context

Proverbs 3:32 is situated within a broader instructional discourse from a father to his son, emphasizing the profound benefits of living a life governed by wisdom and moral integrity. The chapter opens with an appeal to remember God's commandments (v. 1-4) and to trust implicitly in the Lord (v. 5-6), promising direct blessings like prolonged life, peace, and divine favor for those who align their ways with God. The verses immediately preceding 3:32 speak against doing harm to one's neighbor and encourage not envying violent men, as their ways are not pleasing to the Lord. Verse 32 directly provides the underlying rationale for these admonitions: God's inherent nature necessitates a strong rejection of devious conduct and a loving affirmation of uprightness.

Historically and culturally, this instruction reflects a deep-seated covenantal worldview where Israel's well-being was intrinsically tied to its moral and spiritual faithfulness to YHWH. It starkly contrasts with prevalent pagan beliefs of the ancient Near East, where deities were often seen as capricious and could be appeased by mere ritual or sacrifice, irrespective of the worshiper's personal ethics. Proverbs 3:32 implicitly rejects such externalism, establishing YHWH's character as morally absolute: His favor, and especially His intimacy, is exclusively reserved for those who embody truth and integrity in their character and actions, rather than those who manipulate or deceive.

Proverbs 3 32 Word analysis

• For: (Heb. Ki / כִּי) - This conjunction serves to introduce a causal explanation or reason. It links the consequence stated in 3:31 (not to envy the man of violence nor choose any of his ways) directly to the principle articulated in 3:32, reinforcing the divine opposition to unrighteousness.
• the devious person: (Heb. naloz / נָלוֹז) - Derived from the root laz, meaning "to turn aside," "to deviate," "to be perverse" or "crooked." This describes someone who twists truth, acts deceitfully, is morally distorted, or consistently departs from a straightforward, honest path. It denotes a habitual inclination towards moral crookedness and intentional misdirection rather than just a single act of wrongdoing.
• is an abomination: (Heb. to'evah / תּוֹעֵבָה) - This is a very strong term in the Hebrew Bible, signifying something utterly repugnant, detestable, and offensive to God's nature and covenant. While often associated with idolatry, child sacrifice, and forbidden sexual practices (cultic impurities), here it extends to a moral disposition. It means that the very character of the devious person is antithetical to God, rather than just their actions.
• to the Lord: (Heb. YHWH / יְהוָה) - This refers to the covenant God of Israel, the personal, holy, and sovereign Lord. Specifying YHWH emphasizes that this is not a human preference but a divine decree and an unchangeable attribute of the true God.
• but He confides in: (Heb. sod / סוֹד) - This rich term carries multiple layers of meaning: "secret," "confidential counsel," "intimate conversation," "fellowship," or "close circle/assembly." It conveys a profound intimacy and trusted relationship. It implies that God shares His plans, thoughts, or inner workings with those He chooses to draw close to, going beyond mere communication to a deep, personal bond.
• the upright: (Heb. yesharim / יְשָׁרִים) - Derived from yashar, meaning "straight," "right," "honest," or "just." These are individuals who are morally righteous, straightforward, truthful in character, and live in integrity according to God's standards. Their actions and motives align with truth, in contrast to the devious.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "For the devious person is an abomination to the Lord": This phrase unequivocally declares God's character and moral stance. God is not indifferent to ethical choices; He fundamentally opposes deceit and perversion. This isn't just about disliking an action, but a deep detestation of the inherent nature of a crooked heart and lifestyle that mocks divine order and truth.
• "but He confides in the upright": This serves as a striking antithesis. While God vehemently rejects the crooked, He actively seeks intimate communion with the morally straight. This illustrates a fundamental biblical principle: spiritual closeness is predicated upon moral purity and integrity. God opens His heart and reveals Himself deeply to those whose character reflects His own truthfulness and honesty.

Proverbs 3 32 Bonus section

• The stark contrast in this verse—absolute abomination versus profound intimacy—underscores the critical importance of personal character in God's eyes. It's not just about isolated good or bad deeds, but the overall moral direction of one's life.
• The concept of God sharing His "secret counsel" (sod) with the upright prefigures later biblical revelations of divine mysteries being revealed to God's prophets and intimate servants (e.g., Abraham, Amos 3:7).
• This verse implicitly warns against the futility of trying to deceive God or gain His favor through outward appearances or cunning schemes, emphasizing that He looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7).
• For a believer, it serves as an encouragement to pursue genuine integrity, as it is the pathway not only to peace and favor in this life, but to the deepest possible fellowship with the Living God.

Proverbs 3 32 Commentary

Proverbs 3:32 distills a crucial truth about the character of God and His relationship with humanity: divine favor and intimacy are profoundly linked to moral uprightness. The "devious person," one whose life is characterized by twisting truth and acting with duplicity, is depicted as an "abomination" to the Lord. This signifies God's complete repugnance for such a nature; it goes against His very being of truth and light. God cannot and will not be in close fellowship with what is intrinsically opposed to His righteousness.

Conversely, God delights in the "upright." These are individuals who are straight, honest, and operate with integrity in their words and deeds. The astounding promise is that God "confides in" them. The Hebrew word sod (secret, intimate counsel) points to an extraordinary level of divine intimacy and trust, suggesting that God shares His deeper thoughts, purposes, and insights with those who live righteously. This means that true wisdom, understanding of God's ways, and profound fellowship with the Almighty are not attained through mere intellect or ritual, but are a direct outflow of a life lived in sincere integrity before Him. It challenges the notion that outward religious performance is sufficient and firmly roots genuine spiritual connection in the condition of one's heart and the sincerity of one's conduct.