King James Version

What Does Proverbs 12:22 Mean?

Proverbs 12:22 in the King James Version says “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”

Proverbs 12:22 · KJV

Context

20

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21

There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22

Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23

A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24

The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. slothful: or, deceitful

Read Proverbs 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse declares God's moral evaluation of speech: 'Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.' The strong term 'abomination' (to'evah) denotes something morally repulsive to God, often used for covenant violations and idolatry. Lying is not merely prohibited but abhorred by God who is truth Himself (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). The contrast presents those who 'deal truly' (literally 'doers of faithfulness/truth') as God's 'delight' (ratson—pleasure, favor, acceptance). God takes pleasure in truthful people because they reflect His character. This grounds ethics in theology—truthfulness matters because God is truth, and lying offends His nature.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient covenant contexts, truthfulness was essential for community trust and commercial integrity. False witnesses, dishonest scales, and deceptive contracts undermined social order. The ninth commandment forbids bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16), and the law prescribed penalties for false testimony (Deuteronomy 19:16-21). Proverbs grounds this legal requirement in God's character—He abhors lying because it violates who He is.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what subtle ways are you tempted to shade the truth, exaggerate, or deceive through omission rather than outright lies?
  2. How does understanding that lying is an abomination to the LORD (not merely a practical inconvenience) affect your commitment to truthfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת1 of 7

“are abomination”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

יְ֭הוָה2 of 7

“to the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שִׂפְתֵי3 of 7

“lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

שָׁ֑קֶר4 of 7

“Lying”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

וְעֹשֵׂ֖י5 of 7

“but they that deal”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֱמוּנָ֣ה6 of 7

“truly”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

רְצוֹנֽוֹ׃7 of 7

“are his delight”

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 12:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 12:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 5:6Proverbs 11:20Revelation 22:15Proverbs 6:16-17Jeremiah 9:24Isaiah 9:15

Test Your Knowledge

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