Proverbs 3:32
For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תוֹעֲבַ֣ת
is abomination
H8441
תוֹעֲבַ֣ת
is abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְהוָ֣ה
to the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נָל֑וֹז
For the froward
H3868
נָל֑וֹז
For the froward
Strong's:
H3868
Word #:
4 of 7
to turn aside , i.e., (literally) to depart, (figuratively) be perverse
וְֽאֶת
H853
וְֽאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Psalms 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.Proverbs 11:20They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.John 15:15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.Matthew 13:11He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.Psalms 18:26With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.Job 29:4As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;Proverbs 8:13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.Proverbs 17:15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Historical Context
Ancient covenantal thought distinguished between God's general providence (rain falls on just and unjust) and His special favor toward His people. This verse affirms that distinction - while God is patient toward all, genuine fellowship belongs to the upright. Abraham was called 'friend of God' (James 2:23) for his faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What perverse ways in your life might be hindering intimate fellowship with God?
- How does pursuing uprightness open deeper access to God's presence and counsel?
- What does it mean experientially to have God's 'secret' or intimate counsel?
Analysis & Commentary
The perverse person is abomination to the LORD but the upright enjoy intimacy. The Hebrew 'luwz' (perverse/deviant) describes moral distortion, while 'towebah' (abomination) indicates covenantal offense. Strong contrast: God abhors the perverse but has 'sod' (intimate counsel/friendship) with the upright. This reveals God's moral nature and relational selectivity - He doesn't offer intimate fellowship to all indiscriminately but reserves closeness for those who walk uprightly.