Proverbs 15:9
Proverbs 15:9 in Multiple Translations
The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
The way of the evil-doer is disgusting to the Lord, but he who goes after righteousness is dear to him.
The Lord hates the ways of the wicked, but he loves those who do what is right.
The way of the wicked is an abomination vnto the Lord: but he loueth him that followeth righteousnes.
An abomination to Jehovah [is] the way of the wicked, And whoso is pursuing righteousness He loveth.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: he that followeth justice is beloved by him.
Yahweh hates/detests the behavior of wicked people, but he loves those who always do what is righteous/just/fair.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:9
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 15:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
יְ֭הוָה
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
רָשָׁ֑ע
וּ/מְרַדֵּ֖ף
צְדָקָ֣ה
יֶאֱהָֽב
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
וּ/מְרַדֵּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Piel
צְדָקָ֣ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
יֶאֱהָֽב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:9
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.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
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.
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
וּ/מְרַדֵּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Piel
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
צְדָקָ֣ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
יֶאֱהָֽב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:9
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
9The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.
10Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. 11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD— how much more the hearts of men!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 6:11 | But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. |
| 2 | Proverbs 21:21 | He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. |
| 3 | Matthew 7:13 | Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. |
| 4 | Hosea 6:3 | So let us know— let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 1:13 | Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? |
| 6 | Jeremiah 44:4 | Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets again and again, saying: ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate.’ |
| 7 | Psalms 146:8–9 | the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:8 | The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. |
| 9 | Isaiah 51:1 | “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. |
| 10 | Isaiah 51:7 | Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. |
Proverbs 15:9 Summary
This verse tells us that God is not pleased with the actions of wicked people, but He loves those who try to do what is right. To pursue righteousness means to follow God's commands and live a life that honors Him, as seen in examples like Psalm 23:3 where it says He guides us in the paths of righteousness. By choosing to follow God's path, we can experience His love and delight, rather than His displeasure. Remember, God's desire is for all people to come to know and love Him, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD detests the way of the wicked?
This means that God is deeply displeased with the actions and lifestyle of those who refuse to follow Him, as seen in Proverbs 15:9 and also in Psalm 5:5 where it says God hates all who do iniquity.
How can we pursue righteousness as mentioned in this verse?
Pursuing righteousness involves seeking to live according to God's will and commands, as taught in Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 5:6, where we are encouraged to hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Does this verse imply that God does not love the wicked?
While Proverbs 15:9 contrasts God's detest for the way of the wicked with His love for those who pursue righteousness, it's essential to remember that God loves all people and desires their salvation, as stated in John 3:16 and 1 Timothy 2:4.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that our choices and actions have spiritual implications, and we should strive to live in a way that pleases God, as encouraged in Colossians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can pursue righteousness in my daily life?
- How does knowing that God detests the way of the wicked impact my perspective on sin and its consequences?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love for God by following His path of righteousness?
- What are some potential consequences of leaving the path of righteousness, as hinted at in the surrounding verses?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the Lord,.... The way his heart devises, which he chooses and delights in, in which he walks; nor will he leave it, nor can he be diverted from it, but by the powerful grace of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:9
The way; the conversation or course of life. This verse seems to contain a reason of the foregoing. God hates wicked men’ s religious performances, because they are accompanied with ungodly lives, and they pull down with one hand what they build up with another. That followeth after righteousness; that earnestly desires, and constantly and diligently endeavours, to be holy and righteous in the course of his life, although he doth not attain to that perfect righteousness which he thirsts after.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:9
Proverbs 15:9 The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.Ver. 9. The way of the wicked is abomination.] Not his sacrifices only, but his civilities; all his actions - natural, moral, recreative, religious - are offensive to all God’ s senses, as the word signifies. The very "ploughing of the wicked is sin": all they do is defiled, yea, their "very consciences." Their hearts, like some filthy bog or fen, or like the lake of Sodom, send up continual poisonous vapours unto God: and he, not able to abide them, sends down eftsoons a counterpoison of plagues and punishments. But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.] Although he fulfil not all righteousness, yet if he make after it with might and main, as the word signifies, if he pursue it and have it in chase, as ravenous creatures have their prey, "if by any means he may attain to the resurrection of the dead"; that is, that height of holiness that accompanieth the resurrection: this is the man whom God loves. Now God’ s love is not an empty love; it is not like the winter sun, that casts a goodly countenance when it shines, but gives little warmth and comfort. "Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness; those that remember thee in thy ways," "that think upon thy commandments to do them," qui faciunt praecepta, etsi non perficiant, that are weak but willing, θελοντες, that are lifting at the latch, though they cannot do up the door: "Surely, shall every such one say, In the Lord have I righteousness and strength." "Righteousness," that is, mercy to those that come over to him, and "strength" to enable them to come, as the sea sends out waters to fetch us to it. Augustin.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:9
9. Way of the wicked… abomination — This proverb is kindred to the preceding, but not the same; expressed in different words.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Anger Against the Wicked by Charles Finney | Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon on God's anger against the wicked, emphasizing that the wicked are those who live in selfishness and rebellion against God. He explains th |
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Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 1 by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of hating sin and loving righteousness. It encourages listeners to flee from iniquity and pursue godliness. The speaker also highlig |
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Romans 14:17 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker uses the concept of stepping into heaven to illustrate the idea of being transformed by the glory of God. He emphasizes that in order to bear the beauty |
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Preparing for Spiritual Awakening as Men by Gordon Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the current state of Christianity and emphasizes the importance of personal growth and transformation. He shares a personal anec |
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The Function of Conscience by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the function of the conscience and its role in guiding our choices. He explains that the conscience can commend, condemn, or convict us |
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How God Saved the Godly by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the challenges that teenagers face in a fallen world. He encourages them to stand up for Jesus Christ and abstain from the immorality o |
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The Leader as an Example by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leading by example and living a life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ. He shares a personal anecdote about a |