Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

PROVERBS 16:5KJV
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Proverbs 16:5 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 16:5 mean?

Proverbs 16:5 warns that anyone who is proud in their heart is deeply offensive to the LORD and will not escape punishment, no matter how many people support or agree with them. The verse makes it clear that inner pride is something God takes seriously and will always address.

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, mostly attributed to Solomon, aimed at teaching people how to live wisely and honor God. In this verse, the focus is on the attitude of pride—specifically, pride that comes from within a person’s heart. The verse uses strong language to show that God sees and judges pride, even if it is hidden from others or widely accepted by society.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 16:5

  • proud (גַּבַּהּ, gabbah): This word often refers to someone who is arrogant or lifted up in their own estimation. The emphasis is on an inner attitude, not just outward actions.
  • heart (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the center of a person's thoughts, feelings, and will—not just emotions. So, pride here is about a deep-seated attitude, not just a passing feeling.
  • abomination (תוֹעֵבָה, to'evah): This word means something detestable or disgusting, especially in a moral or spiritual sense. Calling pride an "abomination" shows how seriously God views it.
  • unpunished (נָקָה, naqah): This word means to be held guiltless or to go unpunished. The verse insists that no matter what, the proud will not be cleared or excused.

Why Proverbs 16:5 matters

  • Proverbs 16:5 makes it clear that pride is not just a minor flaw but something God finds deeply offensive, cutting through any excuses or social approval.
  • The verse highlights that God judges the heart, not just outward actions, reminding readers that inner attitudes matter as much as visible behavior.
  • This warning fits into the broader theme of Proverbs, which often contrasts the way of wisdom (humility and reverence for God) with the way of folly (pride and self-reliance).

Where else these words appear

“proud” Hebrew H1362 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
  • Ezekiel 31:3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.

“unpunished” Hebrew H5352 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 24:8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
  • Judges 15:3 And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.
  • Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

“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.