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

PROVERBS 12:22KJV
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Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 12:22 mean?

Proverbs 12:22 says that God finds lying lips disgusting, but He takes pleasure in people who are honest and truthful. The verse draws a sharp contrast between falsehood and truthfulness, showing that honesty is something God values deeply.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed at teaching practical wisdom for everyday life. The verse uses strong language to show how seriously God views truth and falsehood, highlighting that honesty is not just a social virtue but something that matters to God Himself.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 12:22

  • "Lying" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means deliberate falsehood or deception, not just a mistake or misunderstanding. The verse singles out intentional dishonesty as especially offensive.
  • "Abomination" (תוֹעֵבָה, toʿevah): This is a very strong word in Hebrew, used for things that are utterly detestable or repulsive to God. It shows that lying is not a minor fault but something God deeply rejects.
  • "Deal truly" (אֱמוּנָה, ʾemunah): This word carries the sense of faithfulness, reliability, and trustworthiness, not just telling the truth once but being consistently honest in character.
  • "Delight" (רָצוֹן, ratson): This word means something that brings pleasure or favor. It shows that honest people are not just tolerated by God—they are a source of joy to Him.

Why Proverbs 12:22 matters

  • The verse makes clear that honesty is not just a social expectation but a spiritual value that matters to God, correcting the idea that lying is only a minor issue.
  • By using the word "abomination," Proverbs 12:22 emphasizes how seriously God views dishonesty, which may surprise readers who see lying as a small fault.
  • The contrast in the verse highlights that God’s pleasure is not just in avoiding lies but in actively living with integrity and faithfulness, connecting to the wider biblical theme of God’s delight in truth.

Where else these words appear

“truly” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
  • Psalms 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

“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.

“Lying” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.

“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.