Proverbs 15:26
Proverbs 15:26 in Multiple Translations
The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words are pure.
Evil designs are disgusting to the Lord, but the words of the clean-hearted are pleasing.
The Lord hates the thoughts of the wicked, but he honors the words of the pure.
The thoughts of ye wicked are abomination to the Lord: but the pure haue pleasant wordes.
An abomination to Jehovah [are] thoughts of wickedness, And pure [are] sayings of pleasantness.
The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Evil thoughts are an abomination to the Lord: and pure words most beautiful shall be confirmed by him.
Yahweh detests what wicked people are thinking about doing; but when people say what is kind, he considers those words to be pure.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:26
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 15:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
יְ֭הוָה
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
רָ֑ע
וּ֝/טְהֹרִ֗ים
אִמְרֵי
נֹֽעַם
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
וּ֝/טְהֹרִ֗ים
ṭâhôwr
H2889
pure
Conj | Adj
אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp
נֹֽעַם
nôʻam
H5278
pleasantness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:26
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.
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וּ֝/טְהֹרִ֗ים
ṭâhôwr
H2889
"pure"
Conj | Adj
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Definition: 1) pure, clean 1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals) 1b) pure (physically) 1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: clean, fair, pure(-ness). See also: Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 13:40; Psalms 12:7.
אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
נֹֽעַם
nôʻam
H5278
"pleasantness"
N-ms
This word describes agreeableness or delightfulness, including kindness, beauty, or favor, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of pleasant things or people. It can also mean symbolic names or pleasantness. It is used to describe things that bring joy.
Definition: 1) kindness, pleasantness, delightfulness, beauty, favour 1a) delightfulness 1b) symbolic name of one of two staves 1c) pleasantness
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: beauty, pleasant(-ness). See also: Psalms 27:4; Proverbs 15:26; Psalms 90:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:26
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
24The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol.
25The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but He protects the boundaries of the widow.
26The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him.
27He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. 28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:16–19 | There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 4:14 | Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you? |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:23 | A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word! |
| 4 | Matthew 12:34–37 | You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” |
| 5 | Psalms 19:14 | May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. |
| 6 | Psalms 37:30–31 | The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter. |
| 7 | Psalms 45:1 | My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. |
| 8 | Matthew 15:19 | For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. |
| 9 | Proverbs 24:9 | A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men. |
Proverbs 15:26 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is deeply concerned with our thoughts and words, and He is pleased when we think and speak in a way that honors Him. To have thoughts and words that are pleasant to the LORD, we need to focus on having a pure heart, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:8, and strive to speak kindly and truthfully, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29. By examining our thoughts and words in light of God's standards, we can align our lives with His will and experience His joy and peace. As we seek to please the LORD with our thoughts and words, we can trust that He will guide and empower us, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked?
This means that God is deeply displeased with the sinful and evil thoughts that wicked people have, as seen in Proverbs 15:26, and it is a reminder that our thoughts have consequences, as stated in Matthew 15:19.
How can I ensure that my words are pleasant to the LORD?
To have pleasant words, we must focus on speaking truthfully and kindly, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, and strive to have a pure heart, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:8.
Does this verse mean that God only listens to the prayers of pure people?
While Proverbs 15:26 emphasizes the importance of purity, it does not mean that God only listens to the prayers of the pure, as seen in Psalms 51:17, where David, a man after God's own heart, prayed for mercy despite his sin.
How can I know if my thoughts are wicked or pure?
We can examine our thoughts by comparing them to God's standards, as outlined in Philippians 4:8, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in our thought life, as promised in John 16:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some wicked thoughts that I need to confess and repent of, and how can I replace them with pure and pleasant thoughts?
- In what ways can I purify my heart and mind to have thoughts and words that are pleasing to the LORD?
- How can I balance the desire to speak truth with the need to speak kindly and pleasantly, especially in difficult conversations?
- What are some practical steps I can take to align my thoughts and words with God's standards, as outlined in Scripture?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the Lord,.... They are known unto the Lord, who is the searcher of the heart, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of it; he knows they are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked; and much more their words, which express their thoughts; for thoughts are said to be free, and wicked men are seldom and but little concerned for the sins of their thoughts. The words of the pure, which discover and proceed from their thoughts, . Pleasant; acceptable to God, which is opposed to abomination to him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:26
Proverbs 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words.Ver. 26. The thoughts of the wicked are abomination.] Let him not think to think at liberty. Thought is not free, as some fools would have it. To such God saith, "Hearken, O earth; behold I bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts." The very heathen could say, Fecit quisque quantum voluit, What evil a man wills he doth. And Incesta est et sine stupro quoe stuprum cupit. He that lusteth after a woman, hath lain with her in his heart. "If I regard iniquity in mine heart," saith David, "shall not God find this out, and for it reject my prayer?" Kimchi, being soured with Pharisaical leaven, makes this strange sense of that text: If I regard iniquity only in my heart, so that it break not forth into outward act, the Lord will not hear me - that is, he will not hear so as to impute it or account it a sin. But was not this caedem Scripturarum facere, as Tertullian hath it, to murder the Scripture, or at least to set it on the rack, so as to make it speak what it never intended, to force it to go two miles when it would go but one. But the words of the pure are pleasant words.] Such as God books up, and makes hard shift to hear, as I may so say, for he "hearkens and hears" (ibid.). The rather because these pleasant words are the fruits and products of that law of grace within, that "good treasure," that habit of heavenly mindedness they have acquired.
For though "the heart of the wicked be little worth," and as little set by, yet "the tongue of the just is as choice silver." He mints his words, and God lays them up as his riches, yea, looks upon them "as apples of gold in pictures of silver," as gold put in a case of cut-work of silver, which is no less precious than pleasant.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:26
(26) The thoughts of the wicked.—Rather, thoughts of evil, wicked designs.But the words of the pure are pleasant words.—Rather, pleasant words (i.e., kindly meant, soothing words; comp. Proverbs 16:24) are pure in God’s sight; accepted by Him as coming from a well-meaning heart.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:26
26. thoughts of the wicked … pleasant words] Lit. devices of evil … words of pleasantness. The contrast is between these, and then further between the former, as “abomination to Jehovah,” and the latter as “pure,” and therefore acceptable to Him. There is possibly, as Maurer suggests, a sacrificial reference (“sensu Levitico”); comp. Proverbs 15:8 above and “a pure offering,” Malachi 1:11.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:26
Some prefer the margin, and render, words of pleasantness are pure.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:26
26. Thoughts of the wicked — Or, wicked devices, plans. Words of the pure are pleasant — “Words of kindness are pure or gracious words.” So Conant and Zockler.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(So Great a Salvation) Temptation and Sin by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his journey of faith. He describes a moment of deep conviction and repentance after disobeying his parents. He then reflec |
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The Awful Sin of Pride by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting on God's timing. He warns against making impulsive and fleshly decisions that can lead to disaster. T |
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Freedom From Denominationalism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's truth and total freedom from anything that binds us. He encourages humility, servanthood, and having a father |
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The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God and living a life of sin. He vividly describes the torment and despair that awaits those who die without r |
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Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - 1 by Zacharias Tanee Fomum | In this sermon, the speaker asks the audience to reflect on what has changed in their hearts in the last five years. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and removing negati |
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Divisions by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares an anecdote about encountering a group of individuals who were causing division within a gathering of young people. He emphasizes the danger and |
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(Proverbs) ch.6:12 - 8:21 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of young people not realizing their need for God. He emphasizes the importance of humility and acknowledging one's need for God's gu |