Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:32

What does Proverbs 3:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:32 means

This verse reveals the Lord's strong disapproval of those who are 'perverse'—meaning crooked, deceitful, or morally twisted in their ways. Such individuals are 'an abomination to Jehovah,' signifying His utter detestation. In stark contrast, God's 'friendship' (or intimate counsel) is reserved for the 'upright,' those who walk in integrity and honesty. This emphasizes God's moral character and His clear favoritism toward righteousness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For an abomination to Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> the perverted, And with the upright <FI>is<Fi> His secret counsel.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; but his secret is with the upright.

Context

This verse provides the theological justification for the warning against envying the violent in verse 31. It explains *why* the ways of the perverse should be shunned by revealing God's explicit judgment against them and His favor for the upright. This stark contrast between God's view of the wicked and the righteous clarifies the consequences of choosing either path, reinforcing the call to wisdom and righteousness throughout the chapter.

v.31Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways.

v.32This passage

v.33The curse of Jehovah is in the house of the wicked; But he blesseth the habitation of the righteous.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 6:6

    Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise:

  • John 15:15

    No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father I have made known unto you.

  • Job 29:4

    As I was in the ripeness of my days, When the friendship of God was upon my tent;

  • Proverbs 17:15

    He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.

  • Matthew 11:25

    At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:

  • Proverbs 11:20

    They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah; But such as are perfect in their way are his delight.

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