Proverbs 29:27

¶ An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.

An unjust {H5766} man {H376} is an abomination {H8441} to the just {H6662}: and he that is upright {H3477} in the way {H1870} is abomination {H8441} to the wicked {H7563}.

An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, but he who lives uprightly is an abomination to the wicked.

An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Proverbs 29:27 encapsulates a profound spiritual and moral truth: there is an inherent opposition between righteousness and wickedness. This verse highlights the deep-seated aversion that exists between those who live by God's standards and those who reject them.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often presented as sharp contrasts between two paths: the way of wisdom (righteousness) and the way of folly (wickedness). This particular proverb appears in a section that emphasizes the consequences of leadership and the impact of justice or injustice on society. It reflects the consistent biblical theme that light and darkness cannot truly coexist or find common ground, echoing sentiments found throughout the Law and Prophets concerning the stark divide between those who serve God and those who do not.

Key Themes

  • Moral Polarization: The verse clearly states that the "unjust man" is an "abomination" to the "just," and conversely, the "upright in the way" is an "abomination" to the "wicked." This isn't just disagreement; it's a fundamental repulsion based on differing moral and spiritual natures.
  • Justice vs. Injustice: The core conflict is between those who uphold justice and those who perpetrate injustice. For the righteous, injustice is morally repugnant, while for the wicked, the very existence of uprightness exposes their own sin and is therefore detestable.
  • Spiritual Divide: This proverb points to a deeper spiritual reality where those who belong to God's kingdom and those who serve evil are fundamentally at odds. Their values, desires, and ultimate allegiances are irreconcilable. This resonates with the idea that everyone who does evil hates the light, because their deeds are exposed.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "abomination" (Hebrew: to'ebah). This word signifies something that is morally detestable, utterly repulsive, and often offensive to God. It's used elsewhere in Proverbs to describe practices like dishonest weights (Proverbs 11:1) or the sacrifices of the wicked (Proverbs 15:8). Its use here highlights the intense moral revulsion felt by each party towards the other's character and conduct, indicating a profound incompatibility of values and lifestyle.

Practical Application

This proverb serves as a stark reminder that true moral neutrality is impossible. Our actions and character reveal our allegiance, and those allegiances naturally create division with opposing forces. For believers, it means understanding that living righteously may invite opposition from the unrighteous, just as Christ Himself faced animosity from those whose deeds were evil. It encourages us to maintain our integrity, knowing that our "upright way" is a testimony that may convict or repel those who choose wickedness. It also underscores the importance of discerning between true justice and injustice, aligning ourselves with what is good and righteous, which is consistently pleasing to God and distinct from the ways of the world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 John 3:13

    Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

  • John 15:17

    These things I command you, that ye love one another.

  • John 15:19

    If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

  • John 15:23

    He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

  • Psalms 139:21

    Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

  • Proverbs 29:10

    ¶ The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

  • John 7:7

    The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

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