Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals that God despises pride that festers within the heart, even if it's hidden from others. Furthermore, the phrase "though hand join in hand" isn't just about having friends; it signifies even the most determined, unified effort to escape punishment will ultimately fail.
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb stands within a larger section of Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, and the righteous with the wicked. It follows verses that speak about God's sovereignty in human affairs and preparing a king's way, setting up a divine perspective on human character. The concluding phrase, emphasizing assured punishment, echoes similar warnings found earlier in the book, reinforcing the consistent message that pride, no matter how supported, ultimately faces divine reckoning.
Pride isn't just a bad habit; it's something that deeply offends God. But what does 'arrogant in heart' really mean and why is it so detestable to the Lord?
Proverbs 16:5 starts with a strong declaration: 'Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD.' The Hebrew word for 'abomination' carries a sense of disgust and revulsion. It's not just a mild dislike; it's something intensely offensive.
The Core of Arrogance
This verse pinpoints the problem to the 'heart.' This means the issue isn't just an outward show of pride, but a deep-seated attitude of self-sufficiency and superiority that resides within.
Ask a follow-up
Even if you have a whole crew backing you up, this verse promises that pride won't go unpunished. What does this certainty of judgment mean for those who are arrogant?
The second part of Proverbs 16:5 delivers a stern warning: 'be assured, he will not go unpunished.' This isn't a maybe or a perhaps; it's a certainty.
The Meaning of 'Hand Join in Hand'
Commentators suggest the phrase 'though hand join in hand' can be understood in a few ways:
The Inescapable Consequence
God's justice is absolute. For the arrogant, this means a guaranteed reckoning. This isn't just about future punishment, but often about the natural, destructive consequences that pride brings even in this life—broken relationships, failed ventures, and isolation.
Understand the original words
gabah · Hebrew Adjective
The state of being haughty or prideful. It is a fundamental sin of self-exaltation that sets itself against God.
toebah · Hebrew Noun
Something morally detestable, loathsome, or offensive, particularly to God. It indicates a behavior or attitude that is fundamentally incompatible with God’s holy nature.
This verse lists 'haughty eyes' as one of the things the Lord hates, directly linking pride with God's displeasure, just like Proverbs 16:5.
Proverbs 11:21This passage states that 'grievous offenders' will not go unpunished, echoing the certainty of judgment for the wicked mentioned in Proverbs 16:5, particularly emphasizing that no amount of scheming or alliance ('hand join in hand') can avert it.
Luke 18:9-14Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, highlighting how the self-righteous pride of the Pharisee is detestable to God, while the humble repentance of the tax collector is accepted. This directly contrasts the 'proud in heart' with those who find favor.
Romans 9:19-21Paul addresses the arrogant response of questioning God's choices, showing how human pride rebels against divine sovereignty. This mirrors the spirit of the proud heart that finds no place in God's eyes.
James 4:6This verse directly states that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, reinforcing the core message of Proverbs 16:5 that arrogance is an abomination to the Lord.
pulpitProverbs 16:5: "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."
Verse 5. - (For the first member, see Proverbs 6:17; Proverbs 8:13.) Says the maxim - Ἀλαζονείας οὔ τις ἐκφεύγει δίκην "Pride hath its certain punishment." We read in the Talmud, "Of every proud man God says, He and I cannot live in the world together." A mediaeval jingle runs - "Hoc retine verbum, frangit Deus omne superbum." Septuagint, "Impure in the sight of…
ellicottProverbs 16:5: "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."
(5) Though hand join in hand.— See Note on Proverbs 11:21 .
This verse reveals that God despises pride that festers within the heart, even if it's hidden from others. Furthermore, the phrase "though hand join in hand" isn't just about having friends; it signifies even the most determined, unified effort to escape punishment will ultimately fail.
This proverb stands within a larger section of Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, and the righteous with the wicked. It follows verses that speak about God's sovereignty in human affairs and preparing a king's way, setting up a divine perspective on human character. The concluding phrase, emphasizing assured punishment, echoes similar warnings found earlier in the book, reinforcing the consistent message that pride, no matter how supported, ultimately faces divine reckoning.
This proverb stands within a larger section of Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, and the righteous with the wicked. It follows verses that speak about God's sovereignty in human affairs and preparing a king's way, setting up a divine perspective on human character. The concluding phrase, emphasizing assured punishment, echoes similar warnings found earlier in the book, reinforcing the consistent message that pride, no matter how supported, ultimately faces divine reckoning.
"Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished." — This verse reveals that God despises pride that festers within the heart, even if it's hidden from others. Furthermore, the phrase "though hand join in hand" isn't just about having friends; it sig…
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Last reviewed October 2026