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

PROVERBS 15:26KJV
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Proverbs 15:26 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 15:26 mean?

Proverbs 15:26 says that the LORD finds the thoughts of wicked people disgusting, but He delights in the words spoken by those who are pure. God cares not just about what people say and do, but also about what they think and the motives behind their words.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings, traditionally attributed to Solomon, meant to teach practical wisdom. Here, the focus is on the contrast between two kinds of people: the "wicked" and the "pure." The verse highlights that God pays attention to both inner thoughts and outward speech, showing that integrity and purity matter deeply to Him.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 15:26

  • "thoughts" (מַחֲשָׁבוֹת, machashavot): This word refers to plans, intentions, or schemes, not just fleeting ideas. The verse points out that even the inner planning of a wicked person is offensive to God.
  • "wicked" (רַע, ra): This term describes those who are morally wrong or evil, emphasizing that the problem is not just with actions but with character.
  • "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah): This is a strong word for something detestable or utterly repulsive to God, showing the seriousness of sinful thoughts.
  • "pure" (טָהוֹר, tahor): This describes someone who is clean or morally upright, not just outwardly but in heart and mind.
  • "pleasant" (נֹעַם, no'am): This word means delightful or pleasing, suggesting that the words of the pure are not just acceptable but bring joy to God.
  • "words" (אֵמֶר, emer): This refers to spoken words or speech, highlighting the value God places on what comes out of a pure heart.

Why Proverbs 15:26 matters

  • Proverbs 15:26 clarifies that God is concerned with a person’s inner life, not just their outward actions or words, correcting the idea that only behavior matters.
  • The proverb emphasizes the importance of purity in both thought and speech, showing that integrity is a central value in biblical wisdom.
  • This verse fits into a larger section of Proverbs that contrasts the righteous and the wicked, helping readers see the deep divide between those who honor God and those who do not, even at the level of their thoughts.

Where else these words appear

“pleasant” Hebrew H5278 · used in 7 verses

  • Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
  • Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
  • Zechariah 11:7 And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.

“words” Hebrew H561 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
  • Job 33:3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
  • Proverbs 4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

“thoughts” Hebrew H4284 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
  • Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
  • Jeremiah 4:14 O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

“pure” Hebrew H2889 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 7:2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
  • Exodus 39:25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;
  • Numbers 19:19 And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.