TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 11:20.
It concerns us to know what God hates and what he loves, that we may govern ourselves accordingly, may avoid his displeasure and recommend ourselves to his favour. Now here we are told, 1. That nothing is more offensive to God than hypocrisy and double-dealing, for these are signified by the word which we translate frowardness, pretending justice, but intending wrong, walking in crooked ways, to avoid discovery. Those are of a froward heart who act in contradiction to that which is good, under a profession of that which is good, and such are, more than any sinners, an abomination to the Lord, Isa 65:5. 2. That nothing is more pleasing to God than sincerity and plain-dealing: Such as are upright in their way, such as aim and act with integrity, such as have their conversation in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, these God delights in, these he even boasts of (Hast thou considered my servant Job?) and will have us to admire. Behold an Israelite indeed!
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Summary
Proverbs 11:20 articulates a profound moral and spiritual dichotomy, revealing the Lord's absolute distinction between those whose inner disposition is twisted and deceitful, and those whose conduct is characterized by integrity and moral uprightness. It declares that a perverse heart is an utter abomination to God, signifying His profound detestation for spiritual and moral corruption. Conversely, those who walk in blamelessness and honesty are the source of His deep pleasure and favor, underscoring the divine preference for sincerity and righteousness in both character and conduct, ultimately affirming God's unwavering commitment to holiness.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 11:20 is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 10-29), often referred to as the "Solomonic collection." This section frequently employs antithetical parallelism, a literary device that contrasts the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, to highlight the consequences of their respective paths. The immediate verses preceding and following this verse continue to explore themes of integrity, justice, and the ultimate outcomes of different lifestyles. For instance, Proverbs 11:19 speaks of righteousness leading to life, while Proverbs 11:21 warns that the wicked will not go unpunished. Thus, verse 20 serves as a foundational statement on the divine perspective that undergirds these moral distinctions, emphasizing the internal state (heart) and external conduct (way) as key determinants of God's favor or displeasure, thereby reinforcing the overarching message of the book.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Israel, which sought to transmit practical and theological truths across generations. In this culture, wisdom was not merely intellectual knowledge but the skill of living righteously in covenant with God. The "heart" (Hebrew: lev) was understood as the comprehensive center of a person's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral character, not just a physical organ. "Way" (Hebrew: derek) referred to one's entire course of life or manner of conduct. The concept of "abomination" (to'evah) was deeply rooted in Israelite law and worship, often referring to practices (like idolatry, child sacrifice, or certain sexual sins) that were utterly repugnant to Yahweh and defiled the land and people. This verse, therefore, speaks to a society where moral purity and adherence to God's covenant standards were paramount, linking individual character to communal well-being and divine blessing, and demonstrating the direct relationship between human conduct and divine response.
Key Themes
Proverbs 11:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the Sovereignty and Moral Character of God, portraying Him as a discerning judge who actively delights in righteousness and abhors wickedness, thereby establishing the divine standard for human conduct. Secondly, it underscores the Centrality of the Heart, emphasizing that true wisdom and righteousness begin with an inner disposition, as seen throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs 4:23). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Retribution and Reward, where specific moral choices lead to distinct divine responses—abomination for the perverse and delight for the upright. This theme is pervasive, with many proverbs illustrating how the path of the righteous leads to life and blessing, while the path of the wicked leads to destruction (e.g., Proverbs 10:29). Finally, it emphasizes Integrity of Conduct, asserting that outward actions ("their way") must align with an inner commitment to God's standards to receive His favor, demonstrating that genuine piety encompasses both internal character and external behavior.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a root meaning "to twist" or "to distort," describes something that is crooked, perverse, or distorted. When applied to the heart, as in this verse, it denotes a disposition that is intentionally devious, morally twisted, and resistant to what is right. It's not merely a mistake or an error, but a settled inclination towards evil or deceit, a deliberate turning away from straightforwardness and truth, reflecting an ingrained moral corruption.
This powerful term signifies something utterly detestable, repugnant, or abhorrent to God. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe practices that are morally depraved, idolatrous, or violate God's covenant laws, such as child sacrifice or certain sexual perversions. Its application here to a "froward heart" underscores the severity of God's moral revulsion towards internal corruption and deliberate wickedness, placing it in the same category as actions that deeply offend His holy character and defile His creation.
This word conveys the idea of being complete, entire, blameless, or perfect in a moral sense. It speaks to integrity, sincerity, and soundness of character. When applied to one's "way," it describes a life lived consistently with moral rectitude, free from deceit or hidden motives. It implies a holistic integrity where one's actions align with a sincere commitment to God's principles, reflecting a blamelessness that is pleasing in His sight.
Verse Breakdown
"They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD"
This clause establishes a direct and severe judgment. It identifies a specific type of person—one whose inner being, their core disposition and motivations, is twisted, perverse, or devious. Such a character is not merely disliked by God but is an "abomination," signifying His profound detestation and moral revulsion. This highlights that God looks beyond external actions to the heart's true condition, revealing His holy nature and His unyielding opposition to spiritual corruption.
"but such as are upright in their way are his delight"
This clause presents a stark contrast, offering God's positive affirmation and favor. It describes individuals whose life course, their daily conduct, and their entire manner of living are characterized by integrity, honesty, and moral soundness. These individuals, whose inner character aligns with their outward actions, bring deep pleasure and favor to the Lord. This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His joy in those who pursue it, affirming that genuine integrity is met with divine approval.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:20 is a prime example of Antithetical Parallelism, a foundational literary device in Hebrew poetry, particularly prevalent in the Book of Proverbs. This device presents two contrasting lines or clauses that express opposing ideas, thereby highlighting a moral or theological truth through juxtaposition. Here, the "froward heart" is directly contrasted with "upright in their way," and the consequence of being an "abomination" to the Lord is set against being "his delight." This sharp contrast emphasizes the absolute nature of God's moral standards and the distinct outcomes of different character types. The verse also employs Personification by attributing human emotions (abomination, delight) to the Lord, making His moral preferences tangible and relatable. Furthermore, the use of Metonymy is evident, where "heart" stands for the inner person, the seat of character and will, and "way" represents one's entire life course or conduct, allowing for concise yet profound communication of complex ideas about character and destiny.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 11:20 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God is not merely concerned with outward conformity but with the genuine state of the human heart and the integrity of one's life. It reveals God's holy character, demonstrating His unyielding opposition to all forms of moral perversion and His deep affection for righteousness. This verse underscores the principle of divine justice, where character and conduct directly influence one's standing before God, leading to either His abhorrence or His delight. It serves as a powerful reminder that true wisdom begins with a heart aligned with God's will and manifests in a life of integrity, reflecting His own perfect nature and inviting His blessing.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 11:20 calls us to a profound self-examination, urging us to look beyond superficial actions to the true condition of our hearts. It challenges us to consider whether our inner motivations are aligned with God's righteousness or if there are hidden areas of perversity, deceit, or stubbornness that displease Him. The verse reminds us that God sees and judges the heart, and that genuine faith involves cultivating an inner disposition that is pure and sincere. Our "way"—our daily choices, habits, and interactions—should consistently reflect this inner commitment to integrity. Living in a manner that brings delight to the Lord means actively pursuing honesty, justice, and blamelessness in all spheres of life, not out of fear, but out of a deep desire to honor the One who knows us intimately and takes profound pleasure in our genuine pursuit of Him and His righteous standards.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "froward heart" mean in the context of Proverbs?
In Proverbs, a "froward heart" refers to a disposition that is twisted, perverse, or devious. The Hebrew word (ʻiqqêsh) implies a deliberate crookedness or distortion of character, a settled inclination to go against what is right and true. It's not just a momentary lapse but an ingrained moral bent that is resistant to God's ways and often characterized by deceit, stubbornness, or rebellion. This concept is contrasted with an "upright" heart or way, which is straight, honest, and morally sound, reflecting a sincere desire to follow God's principles and live in integrity.
Why is a "froward heart" an "abomination" to the LORD?
A "froward heart" is an "abomination" to the LORD because it represents a fundamental opposition to His holy and righteous character. The term "abomination" (tôwʻêbah) in the Old Testament signifies something utterly detestable and repugnant to God, often associated with practices that violate His covenant and defile His people, such as idolatry or severe moral depravity. For God, who is truth and light, a heart that is intentionally twisted, deceitful, and perverse is an affront to His very nature. It signifies a rejection of the moral order He established and a preference for darkness over light, which He cannot tolerate. This reveals God's absolute moral purity and His profound revulsion for spiritual corruption, emphasizing that His judgment extends to the deepest intentions of the human heart.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 11:20, with its stark contrast between the froward and the upright, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. Humanity, by nature, possesses a "froward heart," twisted by sin and alienated from God, as vividly described in passages like Jeremiah 17:9. This innate perversity makes us an "abomination" in God's holy sight, deserving of His righteous judgment. However, Jesus Christ perfectly embodied the "upright way." He was without sin, His heart perfectly aligned with the Father's will, and His entire life a demonstration of flawless integrity and obedience. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law and lived a life that was eternally "his delight" (Matthew 3:17). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ took upon Himself the "abomination" of our froward hearts, bearing the judgment we deserved (2 Corinthians 5:21). Now, by faith in Him, believers are given a new heart and are declared righteous, becoming "upright in their way" in God's sight, not by their own merit, but by His imputed righteousness (Romans 3:21-26). The Holy Spirit then works within us to progressively transform our froward tendencies, enabling us to walk in newness of life, truly becoming His delight (Romans 8:4). Thus, what was impossible for the froward heart to achieve, Christ accomplished, making it possible for us to be reconciled to God and become objects of His divine pleasure and favor.