They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

PROVERBS 11:20KJV
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Proverbs 11:20 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 11:20 mean?

Proverbs 11:20 says that people whose hearts are twisted or dishonest are deeply offensive to the LORD, but those who live honestly and with integrity bring Him joy. The verse draws a clear line between crookedness and uprightness, showing what God values in a person's character.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings, likely compiled by King Solomon, and is addressed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse uses strong language to highlight how much God detests a "froward heart"—meaning a heart that is stubbornly wrong or perverse—while making it clear that God takes pleasure in those who are "upright in their way," or consistently doing what is right.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 11:20

  • "froward" (עִקֵּשׁ, 'iqqēsh): This word means twisted, crooked, or perverse. It describes someone who deliberately chooses a dishonest or morally bent path, not just someone who makes mistakes.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lēv): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of a person's thoughts, will, and emotions—not just feelings. So a "froward heart" means a person whose whole inner life is bent away from what is right.
  • "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, toʿēvah): This is a very strong word in Hebrew, often used for things that are utterly detestable or repulsive to God, not just mildly disliked.
  • "upright" (תָּמִים, tāmîm): This word means whole, complete, or blameless. It describes someone whose life is marked by integrity, not just outwardly but in their whole way of living.
  • "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This refers to a person's path or manner of life, not just a single action.
  • "delight" (רָצוֹן, rāṣôn): This word means pleasure or favor. It shows that God doesn't just tolerate upright people—He truly enjoys and approves of them.

Why Proverbs 11:20 matters

  • Proverbs 11:20 makes it clear that God cares deeply about a person's inner character, not just their outward actions or reputation.
  • The verse helps clear up the idea that being "good" is only about following rules; it points to the importance of integrity and honesty in every part of life.
  • In the flow of Proverbs 11, this verse fits into a series of contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, showing the practical and spiritual consequences of each path.

Where else these words appear

“froward” Hebrew H6141 · used in 11 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.
  • Psalms 101:4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
  • Proverbs 17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

“delight” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  • Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

“upright” Hebrew H8549 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 28:9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
  • Psalms 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

“abomination” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Ezra 9:14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?
  • Ezekiel 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.