What does Proverbs 3:32 mean?

The Hebrew word translated as "devious" here implies something bent, turned aside, or perverse. The term evokes some of the same feelings as the modern English word "crooked." This is directly contrasted with a Hebrew word which implies something stretched, straight, and smooth: someone who is "upright." This verse makes a strong claim about God's view of those who are dishonest and fraudulent: they are "an abomination" to God.

Instead of walking the straight and narrow road the Lord has marked out in Scripture, the devious person travels his own way, the way of lawlessness, selfishness, and violence. Proverbs 14:2 says the devious person despises the Lord. The word "abomination" applies to whatever and whoever is offensive in the moral sense. Sinful pride, lying, shedding of innocent blood, a heart that makes wicked plans, feet that hurry to do evil, and anyone who sows discord among brothers are all abominations to the Lord (Proverbs 6:16–19).

Believers need to stay clear of this kind of person and reject his ways. They have nothing to gain from fellowshipping with him. However, they have everything to gain from fellowshipping with the Lord. He holds believers "in his confidence." This phrase, in Hebrew, implies an inner circle of trust and intimacy.