The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

PROVERBS 15:9KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 15:9 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 15:9 mean?

Proverbs 15:9 says that God detests the lifestyle and choices of those who do evil, but He takes delight in people who actively pursue what is right. The verse draws a sharp contrast between those who live wickedly and those who seek to do what is just and good.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, addressed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse highlights God’s moral perspective: He is not neutral about how people live. The focus is not just on isolated actions but on a person’s overall direction—whether they are turning toward evil or earnestly following after what is right.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 15:9

  • way (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means a path, road, or way of life. In this verse, it refers to a person’s overall pattern of living, not just a single act.
  • wicked (רָשָׁע, rasha): This term describes someone who is morally wrong or guilty, not just someone who makes mistakes but a person whose life is marked by wrongdoing.
  • abomination (תוֹעֵבָה, toʿevah): This word means something detestable or repulsive, especially in a moral or religious sense. It shows the strong language used to describe how God views the way of the wicked.
  • loveth (אָהֵב, ahev): This verb means to love or take pleasure in. Here, it emphasizes that God’s approval is not just passive; He genuinely delights in those who chase after righteousness.
  • followeth (רָדַף, radaf): This word means to pursue or chase. It suggests active effort, not just a casual interest in doing right.
  • righteousness (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): This term refers to what is right, just, or fair—living in a way that aligns with God’s standards.

Why Proverbs 15:9 matters

  • Proverbs 15:9 clarifies that God cares deeply about the direction of a person’s life, not just isolated deeds, and that He responds differently to those who pursue evil versus those who pursue good.
  • The verse emphasizes that righteousness is something to be actively pursued, not simply possessed, highlighting the importance of ongoing effort in moral living.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs, this verse reinforces the recurring theme that wisdom and moral choices are central to a life that pleases God.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“followeth” Hebrew H7291 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Judges 8:4 And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.
  • Psalms 38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.