Proverbs 11:20
Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While the verse contrasts a "crooked heart" with an "upright way," it subtly points out that God judges not just our inner thoughts, but the outward expression of those thoughts in our actions. What's truly delightful to Him isn't just a pure heart, but a life lived with integrity, where our conduct consistently mirrors the sincerity within.
This verse stands in the middle of a section contrasting the fortunes of the wicked and the righteous, directly following the idea that a lack of integrity leads to ruin (verse 19). It sharpens this contrast by presenting God's direct perspective: He detests those with deceitful hearts but finds pleasure in those who live with integrity. This immediately sets up the next verses, which explore how this divine favor or displeasure plays out in the wicked's ultimate inability to escape judgment and the righteous' eventual deliverance.
Ever wondered what truly offends God? This verse points to something deep within, not just outward actions.
The verse immediately confronts us with a stark reality: a 'froward heart' is an 'abomination' to the LORD. The word 'froward' describes something twisted, perverse, and obstinately stubborn in error. It’s not just about making a mistake; it’s about a heart that is fundamentally misaligned with God’s truth.
This isn't about a momentary lapse in judgment, but a deep-seated crookedness. Those with such hearts are a source of disgust and revulsion to God. While we might try to deceive others with clever words or actions, God sees the hidden motives and the persistent rebellion within. Hypocrisy, where outward professions don't match inward reality, falls squarely into this category. God sees the 'naughty heart' beneath the facade, and that is deeply offensive to Him.
What does it mean to be 'upright'? It’s more than just avoiding sin; it’s about a life God truly enjoys.
In direct contrast to the 'froward heart,' the verse presents those 'of blameless ways' as God's delight. This speaks to integrity in conduct, a life lived in alignment with divine principles.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Proverbs 11:20 is available in the Sola app.
While the first part focuses on the internal disposition ('heart'), this part highlights its outward manifestation ('way' or 'conduct'). God isn’t just looking for sincerity (though that’s vital); He’s looking for sincerity demonstrated through consistent, righteous action. These are people whose lives are characterized by truth, holiness, and a walk with God that is pleasing to Him. They are 'undefiled in the way,' meaning they walk without hypocrisy, following God’s commands.
It's this integrity in living, flowing from a sincere heart, that brings joy to God. He takes pleasure in those who walk in His paths, demonstrating genuine faith through their actions.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Hebrew word for YHWH, the personal, covenant-making name of the God of Israel, who is holy and sovereign over all moral life.
toebah · Hebrew Noun
Something that is morally detestable, repugnant, or offensive to God. It highlights the stark incompatibility between sin and the holiness of God.
tamim · Hebrew Adjective
Having integrity, being morally whole, or complete. It implies a person whose life matches their profession and who is blameless before the requirements of the Law.
This passage echoes the Proverbs verse by asking God to search our hearts and reveal any wrong ways, highlighting the importance of inner integrity that God sees and values.
Jeremiah 17:9-10Similar to Proverbs, this verse exposes the deceptive nature of the human heart and assures that God searches the heart and rewards righteousness, contrasting the wicked with the righteous.
Matthew 5:8This beatitude directly connects to the 'upright in their way' by stating 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,' underscoring God's delight in inner purity.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse emphasizes God's perspective, contrasting human appearance with God's focus on the heart, aligning with Proverbs' distinction between a crooked heart and an upright way.
bensonProverbs 11:20: "They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight."
Proverbs 11:20-21 . They that are of a froward heart &c. — They are odious to God, who study to compass their end by wicked means; but they whose exact observance of the rules of righteousness, in the whole course of their lives, testifies the integrity of their hearts, are highly in his favour and love. Though hand join in hand — Though the wicked be fortified a…
jfbProverbs 11:20: "They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight."
- (Compare Pr 11:5).froward—as in Pr 2:15, opposed to the simplicity and purity of the upright.in their way—or, "conduct."
While the verse contrasts a "crooked heart" with an "upright way," it subtly points out that God judges not just our inner thoughts, but the outward expression of those thoughts in our actions. What's truly delightful to Him isn't just a pure heart, but a life lived with integrity, where our conduct consistently mirrors the sincerity within.
This verse stands in the middle of a section contrasting the fortunes of the wicked and the righteous, directly following the idea that a lack of integrity leads to ruin (verse 19). It sharpens this contrast by presenting God's direct perspective: He detests those with deceitful hearts but finds pleasure in those who live with integrity. This immediately sets up the next verses, which explore how this divine favor or displeasure plays out in the wicked's ultimate inability to escape judgment and the righteous' eventual deliverance.
This verse stands in the middle of a section contrasting the fortunes of the wicked and the righteous, directly following the idea that a lack of integrity leads to ruin (verse 19). It sharpens this contrast by presenting God's direct perspective: He detests those with deceitful hearts but finds pleasure in those who live with integrity. This immediately sets up the next verses, which explore how this divine favor or displeasure plays out in the wicked's ultimate inability to escape judgment and the righteous' eventual deliverance.
"Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight." — While the verse contrasts a "crooked heart" with an "upright way," it subtly points out that God judges not just our inner thoughts, but the outward expression of those thoughts in our actions. Wha…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
