King James Version

What Does Proverbs 15:26 Mean?

Proverbs 15:26 in the King James Version says “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. pleasant: Heb. ...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. pleasant: Heb. words of pleasantness”

Proverbs 15:26 · KJV

Context

24

The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

25

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. pleasant: Heb. words of pleasantness

27

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Read Proverbs 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. To'avat YHVH machshevot ra (תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה מַחְשְׁבוֹת רָע, an abomination to the LORD are thoughts of evil). God finds wicked machashavot (מַחֲשָׁבוֹת, thoughts, plans, schemes) abominable. Uthorim imrey-no'am (וּטְהֹרִים אִמְרֵי־נֹעַם, but pure ones—pleasant words). The pure person's words are no'am (נֹעַם, pleasant, lovely, delightful). God judges not only actions but thoughts. Jesus taught that evil proceeds from hearts (Matthew 15:19). Believers must take every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's prophets confronted not only outward idolatry but heart idolatry (Ezekiel 14:3-5). God sees thoughts no human sees. This proverb warns against assuming hidden thoughts are safe from judgment. Jesus intensified this in the Sermon on the Mount, equating anger with murder and lust with adultery (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). True purity requires transformed hearts producing pure thoughts and words.

Reflection Questions

  1. What thoughts habitually occupy your mind, and would God find them pleasant or abominable?
  2. How can you 'take every thought captive to obey Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:5) practically?
  3. In what ways do pure thoughts naturally produce pleasant words that honor God and bless others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת1 of 7

“are an 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

מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת3 of 7

“The thoughts”

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

רָ֑ע4 of 7

“of the wicked”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וּ֝טְהֹרִ֗ים5 of 7

“but the words of the pure”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

אִמְרֵי6 of 7

“words”

H561

something said

נֹֽעַם׃7 of 7

“are pleasant”

H5278

agreeableness, i.e., delight, suitableness, splendor or grace

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 15:26 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 15:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 6:16-19Proverbs 15:23Matthew 12:34-37Jeremiah 4:14Psalms 37:30-31Psalms 19:14

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