Proverbs 11:20
Proverbs 11:20 in Multiple Translations
The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah; But such as are perfect in their way are his delight.
The uncontrolled are hated by the Lord, but those whose ways are without error are his delight
The Lord hates perverted minds, but is happy with those who live moral lives.
They that are of a froward heart, are abomination to the Lord: but they that are vpright in their way, are his delite.
An abomination to Jehovah [are] the perverse of heart, And the perfect of the way [are] His delight.
Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
A perverse heart is abominable to the Lord: and his will is in them that walk sincerely.
Yahweh hates those who are always thinking about doing evil things, but he is delighted with those who always do what is right.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
יְ֭הוָה
עִקְּשֵׁי
לֵ֑ב
וּ֝/רְצוֹנ֗/וֹ
תְּמִ֣ימֵי
דָֽרֶךְ
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עִקְּשֵׁי
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
twisted
Adj
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
וּ֝/רְצוֹנ֗/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
Conj | N-ms | Suff
תְּמִ֣ימֵי
tâmîym
H8549
unblemished
Adj
דָֽרֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:20
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עִקְּשֵׁי
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
"twisted"
Adj
The Hebrew word for something that is twisted or distorted, and can also refer to someone who is being false or perverse. It is used to describe something that is not straight or honest. The KJV translates it as crooked or froward.
Definition: twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crooked, froward, perverse. See also: Deuteronomy 32:5; Proverbs 8:8; Psalms 18:27.
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וּ֝/רְצוֹנ֗/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
תְּמִ֣ימֵי
tâmîym
H8549
"unblemished"
Adj
This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.
Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.
דָֽרֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:20
Context — Dishonest Scales
18The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.
19Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.
20The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.
21Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape. 22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:1 | Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. |
| 2 | Proverbs 21:29 | A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 29:17 | I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You. |
| 4 | Psalms 140:13 | Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence. |
| 5 | Psalms 11:7 | For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face. |
| 6 | Psalms 51:6 | Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. |
| 7 | Proverbs 8:13 | To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. |
| 8 | Proverbs 6:14 | With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord. |
| 9 | Psalms 18:25–26 | To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless; to the pure You show Yourself pure, but to the crooked You show Yourself shrewd. |
| 10 | Proverbs 16:17 | The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. |
Proverbs 11:20 Summary
[This verse teaches us that God is not pleased with people who have hearts that are opposed to Him, but instead delights in those who try to live righteously. To be 'blameless in our walk' means to try our best to follow God's commands and trust in His guidance, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-4. When we do this, we become a delight to God, and He takes pleasure in our obedience. As we strive to live a blameless life, we can remember that God's commands are for our good, and that following Him leads to life, as promised in Proverbs 11:19.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'perverse in heart'?
To be perverse in heart means to have a mindset that is opposed to God's will and ways, as seen in Proverbs 11:20, and is often characterized by a stubborn refusal to follow God's commands, as warned against in Deuteronomy 17:12-13.
How can I be 'blameless in my walk'?
To be blameless in your walk means to live a life that is upright and righteous, as described in Proverbs 11:20, and is achieved by following God's commands and trusting in His guidance, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-4 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Why are the perverse in heart an 'abomination' to the Lord?
The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord because they reject His love and provision, as seen in Proverbs 11:20, and instead choose to follow their own sinful desires, which is contrary to God's holy nature, as described in Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:24-25.
What does it mean that the blameless are God's 'delight'?
That the blameless are God's delight means that He takes great pleasure in their obedience and faithfulness, as stated in Proverbs 11:20, and is reminiscent of the father's joy in the parable of the prodigal son, as told in Luke 15:11-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'perverse in heart', and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I cultivate a 'blameless' walk with God, and what steps can I take to ensure I am following His will?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love and gratitude to God, who takes delight in the blameless?
- What are some common temptations or sins that can lead to a 'perverse' heart, and how can I guard against them?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:20
They that are of a froward heart [are] abomination to the Lord,.... Such as are men of perverse dispositions and principles; that are contrary to the light of nature, the law of God, and Gospel of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:20
They that are of a froward heart; hypocrites, as appears from the opposition of these to the upright in the next clause; whose hearts are false to God, and contrary to their own professions. Are abomination to the Lord; though by their cunning artifices they may deceive men, and gain their good opinion and favour, yet God sees their naughty hearts, and hateth them. In their way; in the course of their lives and actions. By which changing of the phrase from heart in the first clause, to way here, he intimates that the sincerity and hypocrisy of men’ s hearts are discovered and to be judged by their conversations.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:20
Proverbs 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.Ver. 20. They that are of a froward heart, &c.] Not only those that pursue and practise wickedness, but they also that harbour it in their hearts, are hated of God. A man may die of inward bleeding; a man may be damned for contemplative wickedness. The schools do well observe, that outward sins are maioris infamiae, greater notorieties, but inward heart sins are maioris reatus, greater guilt, as we see in devils. But such as are upright in their way.] The antithesis requires that he should say, such as are "upright in heart." But he chooseth rather to say, "in their way," not only because a good heart ever makes a good life, but to meet with such as brag of the goodness of their hearts when their lives are altogether loose and licentious. Whereas holiness in the heart, as the candle in the lantern, well appears in the body. These boasters are ignorant, proud, carnal, therefore stark naught.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:20
20. Froward — Perverse, tortuous. Upright in their way — The perfect of way — men of integrity.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God's Delight by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God not only loves His people but also delights in each one of us, taking great pleasure in our lives and well-being. He compares this divine deligh |
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And Ahab Said to Elijah, Hast Thou Found Me, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the confrontation between Ahab and Elijah, emphasizing how Ahab's wrongful actions led to a haunting conscience that overshadowed his material gains. He illustr |
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How Much Is Your-Bible Worth? by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treasuring and prioritizing the Word of God. He shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of waking up in the morning |
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Revival Series 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on God and His Word rather than being distracted by worldly desires, such as relationships with girls. He shares h |
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The Word by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance and power of the Holy Scriptures. He compares trying to celebrate the Scriptures in a short amount of time to summarizing a to |
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K-026 I Love the lord...but by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Peter's denial of Jesus and the disciples' failure to stand firm in their faith. He then transitions to discussing the first ch |
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The Radical Kingdom - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing two contrasting worldviews: one that is fear-centric and believes in the presence of God, and another that is s |