Proverbs 3:32
for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read "his secret is with the righteous" as simply meaning God favors them. But the original word for "secret" suggests something much deeper: a close, intimate friendship where God shares His counsel and plans, treating the upright like confidants rather than mere subjects. This highlights that God doesn't just tolerate the righteous; He actively draws them into His inner circle.
The preceding verses have warned against acting wickedly and oppressing others, emphasizing that God's favor isn't guaranteed by wealth or power. This verse contrasts the wicked, who are detestable to the Lord, with the upright, who share in His intimate counsel and friendship. It serves as a stark reminder of God's deep hatred for perversity and His special closeness with those who live with integrity.
Ever wonder what truly disgusts God? It's not just bad actions, but a twisted heart behind them. This verse calls it 'froward.'
The 'Froward' Heart
The word here for 'froward' (or 'devious' in the ESV) describes someone who is perverse, crooked, or bent out of shape. It's not just about making mistakes; it's a deliberate turning away from what is right and straight. Think of someone who constantly twists the truth, manipulates situations, or lives with a stubborn resistance to God's ways.
An Abomination to the Lord
God's reaction to this kind of heart is strong: 'abomination.' This isn't mild disapproval. It signifies something deeply offensive, detestable, and impure in His sight. Sin, in its essence, is an abomination to a holy God. The 'froward' person embodies this deep offense through their bent and rebellious spirit.
While God detests the crooked, He invites the upright into His inner circle. What does it mean to be 'in his confidence'?
The 'Upright' Path
'Upright' is the opposite of 'froward.' It describes someone who is straight, sincere, and lives with integrity. These are individuals who align their lives with God's truth and seek to walk a straightforward path. They are characterized by honesty and a desire to do what is right.
God's Intimate Friendship
The phrase 'in his confidence' (or 'his secret is with the righteous') speaks volumes. It suggests a deep level of intimacy and trust. God doesn't just tolerate the upright; He shares His confidence with them. This can mean:
Understand the original words
naloz · Hebrew Adjective
A person who is twisted, crooked, or perverse in their moral character. It describes one who deviates from the straight path of righteousness and truth.
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
Something that is morally repulsive or detestable to God. In the Old Testament, it often refers to actions, idols, or attitudes that are fundamentally incompatible with God's holy character.
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The LORD, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel. Using the divine name emphasizes His personal relationship with His people and His authority as Creator and Judge.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who walk in integrity and moral straightness. It describes individuals whose lives are characterized by alignment with God's standards and ethical uprightness.
This Psalm speaks directly about God sharing His secrets and covenant with those who fear Him, paralleling the idea of the Lord's 'secret' being with the upright in Proverbs.
Amos 3:7This verse highlights God revealing His plans and actions to His prophets, showing a pattern of divine communication with those He favors, just as He confides in the righteous.
John 15:15Jesus calls His disciples friends and explains that He shares His Father's plans with them, mirroring how God's 'secret' is with the righteous who are His friends.
Romans 8:28This passage assures believers that God works all things for their good, indicating a special, beneficial relationship that aligns with God confiding in and working with the righteous.
1 John 1:3The Apostle John speaks of fellowship with God that he shares with others, illustrating the intimacy and shared knowledge that 'God's secret' implies for the righteous.
gillProverbs 3:32: "For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous."
For the froward is abomination to the Lord,.... The perverse man, that pleases not God, and is contrary to all men, as the Jews were; one froward in his words and actions: "who transgresses the law", as the Arabic version renders it; one that acts contrary to the nature, will, and word of God; and such an one is not only abominable in his sight, but an "abomination" itself; it is sin, which is tha…
jfbProverbs 3:32: "For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous."
32-35. Reasons for the warning.froward—(Pr 2:15).secret … righteous—in their communion (Am 3:7).
It's easy to read "his secret is with the righteous" as simply meaning God favors them. But the original word for "secret" suggests something much deeper: a close, intimate friendship where God shares His counsel and plans, treating the upright like confidants rather than mere subjects. This highlights that God doesn't just tolerate the righteous; He actively draws them into His inner circle.
The preceding verses have warned against acting wickedly and oppressing others, emphasizing that God's favor isn't guaranteed by wealth or power. This verse contrasts the wicked, who are detestable to the Lord, with the upright, who share in His intimate counsel and friendship. It serves as a stark reminder of God's deep hatred for perversity and His special closeness with those who live with integrity.
The preceding verses have warned against acting wickedly and oppressing others, emphasizing that God's favor isn't guaranteed by wealth or power. This verse contrasts the wicked, who are detestable to the Lord, with the upright, who share in His intimate counsel and friendship. It serves as a stark reminder of God's deep hatred for perversity and His special closeness with those who live with integrity.
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sod · Hebrew Noun
A term signifying close fellowship, intimacy, or a secret counsel. It implies that God shares His covenantal friendship and protection with the righteous.
"for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence." — It's easy to read "his secret is with the righteous" as simply meaning God favors them. But the original word for "secret" suggests something much deeper: a close, intimate friendship where God share…
