Bible Strands
Proverbs 11:20
The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom instructor addresses the covenant community, framing the contrast between two moral conditions within a broader discourse on the life-and-death outcomes of human choices.
The words — The text pairs עִקְּשֵי־ ('i.ke.shei-) meaning "perverse" with תְּמִ֣ימֵי (te.Mi.mei) meaning "blameless," linking each condition to the LORD's reaction toward the inner disposition and outward conduct.
The thread — This contrast runs through Psalm 119:1, which declares blessing on those whose way is blameless, and 1 Chronicles 29:17, where God examines the heart and takes pleasure in uprightness.
Why it lands — The verse requires a deliberate choice of moral integrity over inner distortion, establishing that divine favor follows consistent obedience while divine rejection follows fractured character.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Cross-references
- Psalms 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.
- 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.
- Psalms 140:13 Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.
- Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.
- Psalms 11:7 For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face.
- Psalms 18:25 To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless;
- Psalms 51:6 Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
- Proverbs 6:14 With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.
- Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
- Proverbs 6:16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: