Proverbs 29:27 - Printer Friendly

ESV: An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

NIV: The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

NASB: An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

CSB: An unjust person is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

NLT: The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.

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

NKJV: An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

This is the last proverb associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). Much of the book of Proverbs contrasts good and evil, sin and righteousness, or truth and lies. Here, Solomon highlights the fundamental conflict between those who pursue evil and those who pursue goodness (Proverbs 2:7). This verse repeats the Hebrew root word tow'ebah (Deuteronomy 12:31; Proverbs 3:32; 21:27; 28:9; Malachi 2:11), implying that both sides view the other with repulsion and disgust. Wicked people and godly people don't merely disagree with one another's approach—they actively detest what they see.

Jesus assured His followers that they would have persecution in the world (John 16:33). He said, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18–19).

Proverbs 29:12–27 completes the collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:21). This passage discusses various relationships. Common themes are interactions with government leaders, parental discipline, and authority figures. Solomon also makes comments about pride and the inherent conflict between righteousness and evil.

Much of this passage refers to negative consequences of unwise attitudes or behavior: stubbornness leads to brokenness. Lack of self-control brings shame. Ignorant, ungodly rulers spread sin and corruption. Pride leads to humiliation. Most of these statements follow the two-part pattern established elsewhere in the book of Proverbs. The final lesson summarizes the deep difference between those who are godly and those who pursue their own desires.

This concludes the collection of Solomon's proverbs which King Hezekiah's men collected (Proverbs 25:1). Like previous passages, chapter 29 contrasts wisdom and folly, the benefits of heeding God's law and the devastating consequences of disobeying it, and the blessings of righteousness compared to the curses of sin.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 5/6/2024 7:53:59 AM