King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words.
Complete Jewish Bible:
ADONAI detests plans to do evil, but kind words are pure.
Berean Standard Bible:
The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him.
American Standard Version:
Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant wordsarepure.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The thoughts{H4284} of the wicked{H7451} are an abomination{H8441} to the LORD{H3068}: but the words of the pure{H2889} are pleasant{H5278} words{H561}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 6:16
- These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:
Proverbs 6:19
- A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Matthew 12:34
- O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Matthew 12:37
- For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Proverbs 15:23
- ¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!
Jeremiah 4:14
- O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?
Psalms 19:14
- Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 15:26
Proverbs 15:26 is a verse that succinctly captures the contrast between the moral and the immoral, as perceived by the divine. This proverb is part of the biblical Wisdom Literature, which includes the book of Proverbs, and is intended to guide the moral and practical living of its readers. The historical context of the book of Proverbs is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which valued the pursuit of insight and understanding in order to live a life that is both skillful and righteous.
The verse itself highlights a fundamental theme in biblical ethics: the Lord's abhorrence of wickedness and delight in righteousness. It suggests that the internal thoughts of the wicked—their intentions, plans, and desires—are detestable to God. In contrast, the speech of the pure, those who are morally upright and clean in their conduct, is described as pleasant, implying that their words are not only pleasing to God but also constructive and life-giving to others.
In essence, Proverbs 15:26 underscores the importance of inner purity and its manifestation in one's speech. It reflects the broader biblical teaching that one's actions and words should stem from a heart that seeks to do good and please God. The verse serves as a moral compass, encouraging believers to cultivate pure thoughts, which in turn will produce words and actions that are honorable and blessed by the Lord. This aligns with the overarching message of Proverbs, which is to pursue wisdom, fear the Lord, and thereby live a life that is both virtuous and aligned with divine will.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4284
There are 52 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַחֲשָׁבָה
Transliteration: machăshâbâh
Pronunciation: makh-ash-aw-baw'
Description: or מַחֲשֶׁבֶת; from חָשַׁב; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice); cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. - Strong's Number: H7451
There are 623 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רַע
Transliteration: raʻ
Pronunciation: rah
Description: from רָעַע; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). - Strong's Number: H8441
There are 112 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תּוֹעֵבַה
Transliteration: tôwʻêbah
Pronunciation: to-ay-baw'
Description: or תֹּעֵבַה; feminine active participle of תַּעָב; properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol; abominable (custom, thing), abomination. - Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. - Strong's Number: H2889
There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טָהוֹר
Transliteration: ṭâhôwr
Pronunciation: taw-hore'
Description: or טָהֹר; from טָהֵר; pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense); clean, fair, pure(-ness). - Strong's Number: H5278
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נֹעַם
Transliteration: nôʻam
Pronunciation: no'-am
Description: from נָעֵם; agreeableness, i.e. delight, suitableness, splendor or grace; beauty, pleasant(-ness). - Strong's Number: H561
There are 259 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵמֶר
Transliteration: ʼêmer
Pronunciation: ay'-mer
Description: from אָמַר; something said; answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word.