Proverbs 8:13

KJV

The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

KJV (with Strong's)

The fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} is to hate {H8130} evil {H7451}: pride {H1344}, and arrogancy {H1347}, and the evil {H7451} way {H1870}, and the froward {H8419} mouth {H6310}, do I hate {H8130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fear of ADONAI is hatred of evil. I hate pride and arrogance, evil ways and duplicitous speech.

Berean Standard Bible

To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.

American Standard Version

The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the perverse mouth, do I hate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 8:13, spoken by the personified figure of Wisdom, profoundly defines the essence of reverent devotion to God. It declares that the authentic "fear of the LORD" is not merely a trembling dread, but a profound moral disposition that actively detests and rejects all forms of evil. Wisdom, who embodies divine order and righteousness, explicitly states her abhorrence for pride, arrogance, wicked conduct, and perverse speech, thereby setting the standard for those who truly seek and embrace her.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 8 presents Lady Wisdom as a divine figure, calling out to humanity from the public squares and high places. She proclaims her supreme value, her ancient origins, and her integral role alongside God in creation (e.g., [Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22-31 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's Eternal Nature")). Her invitation is universal, urging all to choose life and understanding over folly and death. Within this grand soliloquy, [Proverbs 8:13](/proverbs/8-13 "Proverbs 8:13 - The Fear of the LORD") serves as a pivotal statement, articulating the practical and ethical implications of embracing Wisdom. It defines the "fear of the LORD"—a concept foundational to the book of Proverbs, often presented as the very starting point of knowledge and wisdom (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")). By explicitly listing what she hates, Wisdom provides a concrete moral compass for those who would follow her path, emphasizing that true wisdom is not just intellectual assent but a transformative moral alignment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which sought to transmit practical and moral knowledge across generations. In ancient Israel, wisdom was deeply intertwined with covenant faithfulness and the worship of Yahweh. Unlike secular wisdom, Israelite wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, grounds all true understanding in a right relationship with God. The concept of "fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yirʼat YHWH_) was central, signifying not terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and submission to God's authority and moral standards. This reverence naturally led to a rejection of behaviors and attitudes that contradicted divine righteousness. In a society where honor and shame, and the integrity of one's word, were paramount, the condemnation of "pride," "arrogancy," "the evil way," and "the froward mouth" would have resonated deeply, highlighting the societal and spiritual dangers of such vices.
* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 8:13](/proverbs/8-13 "Proverbs 8:13 - The Fear of the LORD") contributes significantly to several key themes within Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Nature of the Fear of the LORD**, clarifying it as an active, moral aversion to evil rather than mere intellectual acknowledgment or superstitious dread. This aligns with the broader teaching that the fear of the Lord is the "beginning of wisdom" and leads to life (e.g., [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Beginning of Wisdom")). Another crucial theme is the **Antithesis of Wisdom and Folly**, where Wisdom explicitly identifies the characteristics of folly (pride, evil ways, perverse speech) as things she hates, thereby contrasting her own righteous path. This verse also underscores the **Holiness of God** and the **Call to Moral Purity**, implying that true reverence for a holy God necessitates a corresponding hatred for what is unholy. Finally, it highlights the **Power of Speech**, as the "froward mouth" is specifically named among the detested evils, emphasizing the profound moral weight of one's words, a recurring concern throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** Feminine of יָרֵא (yareʼ); fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence; [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). In this context, _yirʼâh_ signifies a profound, reverential awe and respect for the LORD, which naturally leads to a desire to obey His commands and avoid what displeases Him. It is not a cowering terror but a healthy, active submission to divine authority and holiness.
* **Hate (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** A primitive root; to hate (personally); enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. The use of _sânêʼ_ here is strong and unequivocal, indicating a deep-seated, personal aversion and moral repugnance towards evil. It implies an active, volitional rejection, not merely a passive avoidance.
* **Pride (Hebrew, _gêʼâh'_):** Feminine from גָּאָה (gaʼah); arrogance; pride. This term refers to an inflated sense of self-importance, haughtiness, and self-exaltation. It is a fundamental opposition to the humility and dependence on God that the "fear of the LORD" cultivates.
* **Arrogancy (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From גָּאָה (gaʼah); the same as גַּאֲוָה (gaʼăvâh); arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament; arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling. While _gâʼôwn_ can sometimes refer to legitimate majesty or excellence, in this context, paired with _gêʼâh_, it denotes excessive self-exaltation, disdain for others, and a puffed-up spirit that stands in defiance of God's rightful preeminence.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From רָעַע (raʼaʼ); 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.). This broad term encompasses all that is morally corrupt, harmful, wicked, or displeasing to God.
* **Froward (Hebrew, _tahpukâh'_):** From הָפַךְ (haphak); a perversity or fraud; (very) froward(-ness, thing), perverse thing. This word describes something twisted, crooked, perverse, or deceitful, particularly in speech. It signifies communication that is intentionally misleading, dishonest, or morally corrupt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil":** This foundational clause defines true reverence for God not as a passive emotion, but as an active moral stance. It establishes a direct, inseparable link between genuine piety and a profound, internal aversion to all that is wicked. To fear the LORD means to align one's will and affections with His, adopting His holy disdain for sin.
* **"pride, and arrogancy":** Wisdom immediately identifies two primary manifestations of evil that she detests. "Pride" (_gêʼâh_) and "arrogancy" (_gâʼôwn_) refer to haughtiness, self-exaltation, and an inflated sense of one's own importance, often leading to a disregard for God and others. These vices are antithetical to the humility and dependence fostered by the fear of the LORD.
* **"and the evil way":** This phrase broadens the scope from specific attitudes to general conduct. It encompasses all paths, actions, and lifestyles that deviate from God's righteous standards. It signifies a life course characterized by wickedness, injustice, or rebellion against divine wisdom.
* **"and the froward mouth, do I hate.":** The final element of the list focuses on the power and danger of speech. A "froward mouth" (_peh tahpukâh_) refers to perverse, deceitful, twisted, or dishonest communication. This highlights the importance of integrity in speech, contrasting with lies, slander, gossip, and manipulative words. The repetition of "do I hate" at the end emphasizes Wisdom's absolute and personal abhorrence for these specific evils, reinforcing the earlier definition.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 8:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Personification**, as Wisdom herself speaks, articulating her nature and values. This gives the abstract concept of wisdom a voice, making her teachings more direct and authoritative. The verse also utilizes **Definition**, explicitly stating that "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil," thereby clarifying a central theological concept. Furthermore, there is a clear use of **Enumeration** or **Listing**, as Wisdom itemizes specific evils she detests ("pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth"). This list serves as a form of **Merism**, where specific examples stand in for the broader category of "evil," providing concrete illustrations of what the fear of the LORD opposes. Finally, the structure implicitly uses **Antithesis** by contrasting the path of wisdom (rooted in the fear of the Lord and hatred of evil) with the path of folly (characterized by the very evils Wisdom condemns).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 8:13 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of true godliness: it is not merely about outward conformity or ritual observance, but an internal alignment of one's affections with God's holy character. The "fear of the LORD" is presented as a moral compass that instinctively recoils from evil because it recognizes evil as an an affront to God's holiness and righteousness. This active hatred of evil is a hallmark of a heart transformed by divine wisdom, reflecting God's own perfect hatred of sin. It underscores that spiritual maturity involves not just loving what God loves, but also hating what God hates, thereby participating in His moral purity and zeal for justice. This verse challenges believers to cultivate a holy disdain for all forms of wickedness, recognizing pride, arrogance, and deceitful speech as particularly insidious manifestations of evil.

* [Psalm 97:10](/psalm/97-10 "Psalm 97:10 - Love the LORD, Hate Evil")
* [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Let Love Be Genuine")
* [Amos 5:15](/amos/5-15 "Amos 5:15 - Hate Evil, Love Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 8:13 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our spiritual posture. It challenges the common misconception that the "fear of the LORD" is a passive, abstract concept, instead revealing it as a vibrant, active, and deeply moral commitment. To truly fear the LORD means to cultivate a genuine, visceral hatred for evil in all its forms, starting with the subtle corruptions of pride and arrogance, extending to our daily conduct, and culminating in the integrity of our speech. This verse compels us to examine our hearts: Do we merely avoid sin out of convenience or fear of consequences, or do we genuinely abhor it because it grieves the heart of God and distorts His good creation? Embracing this wisdom means actively resisting the allure of self-exaltation, diligently walking in righteous paths, and meticulously guarding our words to ensure they are truthful, edifying, and pure. It is a call to a life of profound integrity, where our internal affections mirror God's own holy character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of "the fear of the LORD" align with or differ from the active hatred of evil described in this verse?**
* **In what specific areas of my life (thoughts, actions, words) do I need to cultivate a deeper hatred for evil?**
* **How might pride and arrogance subtly manifest in my own heart or actions, and what steps can I take to counter them?**
* **Am I diligent in guarding my "froward mouth," ensuring my speech is truthful, edifying, and honoring to God and others?**

### FAQ

**What does "the fear of the LORD" truly mean in Proverbs 8:13?**

Answer: In Proverbs 8:13, "the fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yirʼâh YHWH_) is explicitly defined as "to hate evil." This is not a cowering, servile terror, but rather a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's holiness, majesty, and authority. This reverence naturally leads to a moral alignment with God's character, resulting in an active, volitional aversion to everything that is contrary to His nature and will. It implies a deep desire to please God and a corresponding repugnance for sin, recognizing it as an offense against a holy God. This understanding is foundational throughout Proverbs, where it is often stated as the "beginning of knowledge" or "wisdom" (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge") and [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Beginning of Wisdom")).

**Why does Wisdom specifically list "pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth" as things she hates?**

Answer: Wisdom's specific enumeration of these vices highlights their particular destructiveness and their fundamental opposition to divine order. **Pride** and **arrogancy** are often considered root sins in biblical thought, as they represent self-exaltation and a rejection of dependence on God, leading to rebellion (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). "The **evil way**" is a broad category encompassing all wicked conduct, intentions, and lifestyles that deviate from God's righteous standards, signifying a life lived apart from His wisdom. The "**froward mouth**" refers to perverse, deceitful, or twisted speech, emphasizing the profound moral impact of words and the importance of truthfulness and integrity in communication (e.g., [Proverbs 10:32](/proverbs/10-32 "Proverbs 10:32 - The Lips of the Righteous")). By listing these, Wisdom provides concrete examples of the kind of evil that the "fear of the LORD" actively rejects, guiding humanity towards a life of moral purity and integrity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 8:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine Wisdom (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") and [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All the Treasures of Wisdom")). As the perfect Son, Jesus perfectly "feared the LORD" in the truest sense—not with terror, but with absolute reverence, obedience, and alignment with the Father's will. His entire life was a living demonstration of hating evil: He consistently exposed and condemned sin, not merely its outward manifestations but its internal roots, particularly pride and hypocrisy (e.g., [Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). He walked "the good way" (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), never deviating into an "evil way," and His "mouth" was never "froward," but always spoke truth, grace, and life (e.g., [Luke 4:22](/luke/4-22 "Luke 4:22 - Gracious Words from Jesus")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only bore the penalty for our evil but also broke its power, enabling those who believe in Him to genuinely hate sin and walk in newness of life (e.g., [Romans 6:1-14](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). Thus, the call of Proverbs 8:13 to hate evil is not merely an ethical imperative, but an invitation to participate in the very nature of Christ, who perfectly exemplified and empowers the "fear of the LORD."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 16:6

¶ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

Psalms 97:10

Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

1 Samuel 2:3

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let [not] arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD [is] a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

Proverbs 4:24

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Amos 5:15

Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.