Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Original Language Analysis
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
are an abomination
H8441
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
are an abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְ֭הוָה
to the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
The thoughts
H4284
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
The thoughts
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
3 of 7
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
Cross References
Psalms 19:14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.Proverbs 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?
Historical Context
Israel's prophets confronted not only outward idolatry but heart idolatry (Ezekiel 14:3-5). God sees thoughts no human sees. This proverb warns against assuming hidden thoughts are safe from judgment. Jesus intensified this in the Sermon on the Mount, equating anger with murder and lust with adultery (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). True purity requires transformed hearts producing pure thoughts and words.
Questions for Reflection
- What thoughts habitually occupy your mind, and would God find them pleasant or abominable?
- How can you 'take every thought captive to obey Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:5) practically?
- In what ways do pure thoughts naturally produce pleasant words that honor God and bless others?
Analysis & Commentary
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. To'avat YHVH machshevot ra (תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה מַחְשְׁבוֹת רָע, an abomination to the LORD are thoughts of evil). God finds wicked machashavot (מַחֲשָׁבוֹת, thoughts, plans, schemes) abominable. Uthorim imrey-no'am (וּטְהֹרִים אִמְרֵי־נֹעַם, but pure ones—pleasant words). The pure person's words are no'am (נֹעַם, pleasant, lovely, delightful). God judges not only actions but thoughts. Jesus taught that evil proceeds from hearts (Matthew 15:19). Believers must take every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).