Proverbs 3:32

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Proverbs 3:32 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.

King James Version KJV

For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

American Standard Version ASV

For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; But his friendship is with the upright.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For the wrong-hearted man is hated by the Lord, but he is a friend to the upright.

Free Bible Version FBV

For the Lord hates deceitful people, but he is a friend to those who do what is good.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For the frowarde is abomination vnto the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For an abomination to Jehovah [is] the perverted, And with the upright [is] His secret counsel.

World English Bible WEB

For the perverse is an abomination to the LORD, but his friendship is with the upright.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For every mocker is an abomination to the Lord, and his communication is with the simple.

Translation for Translators T4T

I say that because Yahweh considers such people to be abominable/detestable; but he is a friend to all those who do what is right.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:32

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 3:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּ֤י תוֹעֲבַ֣ת יְהוָ֣ה נָל֑וֹז וְֽ/אֶת יְשָׁרִ֥ים סוֹדֽ/וֹ

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

תוֹעֲבַ֣ת tôwʻêbah H8441 abomination N-fs

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

נָל֑וֹז lûwz H3868 be devious V-Niphal

וְֽ/אֶת ʼêth H854 with Conj | Prep

יְשָׁרִ֥ים yâshâr H3477 Jashar Adj

סוֹדֽ/וֹ çôwd H5475 counsel N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 3:32

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

תוֹעֲבַ֣ת 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.

יְהוָ֣ה 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.

נָל֑וֹז lûwz H3868 "be devious" V-Niphal

This Hebrew word means to turn aside or be perverse, like departing from what is right. It appears in the Bible to describe someone who goes against God's ways. In the KJV, it is translated as depart, froward, or perverse.

Definition: 1) to depart, turn aside 1a) (Qal) to depart 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to go wrong, go crooked 1b2) devious, perverse (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to be lost from view 1c2) to become devious

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: depart, froward, perverse(-ness). See also: Proverbs 2:15; Proverbs 4:21; Proverbs 3:21.

וְֽ/אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

יְשָׁרִ֥ים yâshâr H3477 "Jashar" Adj

Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.

Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13

Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.

סוֹדֽ/וֹ çôwd H5475 "counsel" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a council or gathering of people for discussion, and can also mean a secret or intimate conversation with God.

Definition: 1) council, counsel, assembly 1a) council (of familiar conversation) 1a1) divan, circle (of familiar friends) 1a2) assembly, company 1b) counsel 1b1) counsel (itself) 1b2) secret counsel 1b3) familiar converse, intimacy (with God)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: assembly, consel, inward, secret (counsel). See also: Genesis 49:6; Proverbs 3:32; Psalms 25:14.

Study Notes — Proverbs 3:32

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Proverbs 3:32 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:32
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:32
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:32
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32
Sermons on Proverbs 3:32

Context — The Blessings of Wisdom

30Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm. 31Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;

32for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.

33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. 34He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 25:14	The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.
2	John 15:15	No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
3	Proverbs 11:20	The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.
4	Proverbs 8:13	To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
5	Matthew 13:11	He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
6	Proverbs 17:15	Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD.
7	John 14:21–24	Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words. The word that you hear is not My own, but it is from the Father who sent Me.
8	Psalms 18:26	to the pure You show Yourself pure, but to the crooked You show Yourself shrewd.
9	Job 29:4	when I was in my prime, when the friendship of God rested on my tent,
10	Matthew 11:25	At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Proverbs 3:32 Summary

[This verse tells us that God does not like it when people are mean or dishonest, but He loves and is friends with those who try to do what is right. To be friends with God, we need to live according to His rules and commands, like loving our neighbors and being kind to others, as seen in Matthew 22:39. When we live this way, God promises to bless and take care of us, as seen in Psalm 37:37. By choosing to live an upright life, we can experience the joy and peace of having God as our friend.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the LORD to detest the perverse?

The Bible teaches that God hates anything that goes against His nature and will, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19, where it lists things the LORD hates, including a perverse heart. In Proverbs 3:32, the perverse refer to those who deliberately choose to live in opposition to God's ways.

How can I be considered upright in God's eyes?

To be upright means to live according to God's standards, as outlined in His word, such as loving our neighbors as ourselves, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and repeated by Jesus in Matthew 22:39. Living an upright life involves seeking to honor God in all we do and say.

Does being a friend to the upright mean God shows them favoritism?

No, God's friendship with the upright is based on their choice to live according to His will, as seen in John 15:14-15, where Jesus calls those who obey His commands His friends. This friendship is not favoritism but rather a natural result of living in harmony with God's nature and commands.

How does this verse relate to my everyday life?

This verse reminds us that our choices have consequences and that living in accordance with God's will has benefits, such as His friendship and blessing, as seen in Psalm 37:37, which encourages us to mark the blameless and observe the upright, for they will have a future filled with peace.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be living in opposition to God's will, and how can I align myself with His commands?
How can I cultivate a deeper friendship with God, and what does that look like in my daily life?
What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to living an upright life, and how will this impact my relationships with others?
In what ways can I show appreciation for God's friendship and blessings in my life, and how can I share this with others?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:32

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 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: but his secret is with the righteous - Hebrew, the upright (note, Psalms 25:14).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32

The froward; or, perverse, who walketh in crooked or sinful paths, as the oppressor last mentioned; opposed to the upright man, who is called right or straight, as . Is abomination to the Lord; God hates him, and therefore sooner or later he must needs be extremely and eternally miserable. His secret is with the righteous; they are God’ s friends and favourites, to whom he familiarly imparts, as men use to do to their friends, his mind and counsels, or his secret favours and comforts, to which other men are strangers. Compare .

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32

Proverbs 3:32 For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his secret [is] with the righteous.Ver. 32. For the froward is abomination.] The vitilitigator, the wrangler, the common barreter, though he may prosper in the world, yet God cannot abide him; his money will perish with him. He will one day say to his cursed heaps of evil gotten goods, as Charles the Fifth, emperor, in his old age did of his victories, trophies, riches, honours; he cursed them all, saying, Abite hinc, abite longe; Avaunt, be packing, hence, away. But his secret.] They shall be of his cabinet council, that choose rather to lie in the dust than to rise by evil arts, by wicked principles; such were Joseph, Macaiah, Daniel, &c. Phil. Morn.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32

(32) His secret is with the righteous—i.e., He holds confidential intercourse with them. (Comp. Psalms 25:14, and the reward of love and obedience to Christ, that both Father and Son will “come” unto the believer, and “make their abode with him,” through the indwelling Spirit, John 14:23.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32

Verse 32. But his secret] סודו sodo, his secret assembly; godly people meet there, and God dwells there.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:32

32. his secret] i.e., as R.V. margin explains, his counsel (Genesis 18:17), or his friendship (Exodus 33:11). Comp. Psalms 25:14 (and note there in this Series); John 15:15.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:32

32. For the froward — The perverse; those departing from the principles of justice. But his secret — Secret or confidential intercourse or communion, as that of friend with friend. The wicked he loathes, the upright he loves.

Sermons on Proverbs 3:32

	Sermon	Description
	Intimacy With the Lord by Todd Saltzer	This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our identity as overcomers in Christ, highlighting the need to embrace intimacy with the Lord and seek His guidance. It discuss
	Christ's Friendship: Its Intimacy by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound intimacy of Christ's friendship, highlighting that Jesus no longer calls His followers servants but friends, sharing with them the secrets of
	Continue in Sin by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing hidden sins and lust in the hearts and minds of believers. He explains that God considers these hidden sins to
	Pt 2 Not the Soil but the Seed by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Matthew 13:15, which talks about how people have blinded their eyes and shut their ears to God's word. The preacher emphasizes that this is
	Confronting the World by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God, even if it goes against the desires and preferences of the audience. He highlights the biblical
	The Calmness of the Trusting Believer Pt 2 by Aeron Morgan	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the character of God's love and righteousness. He highlights how God teaches sinners, guides the meek, pardons repentant transgressors, and r
	Fullness in God's Heart by Hoseah Wu	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the experience of just sitting and being present with God. They express gratitude for the opportunity to gather together and listen to the w