For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

PROVERBS 3:32KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 3:32 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 3:32 mean?

Proverbs 3:32 says that people who are "froward"—meaning crooked or devious—are detestable to the LORD, but God shares His intimate counsel or friendship with those who are upright. The verse draws a sharp contrast between those who twist what is right and those who live honestly, showing that God’s favor and guidance are reserved for the righteous.

In the book of Proverbs, these words are part of wise teachings from a father to his son, urging him to choose the path of integrity. The verse highlights that God is not just watching outward actions but cares deeply about a person’s character and motives, promising a special closeness to those who live rightly.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 3:32

  • "froward" (לוז, luz): This word means to be crooked, perverse, or devious. It describes someone who deliberately twists what is right, not just making mistakes but choosing a path that goes against honesty.
  • "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, toʿevah): This is a strong word meaning something detestable or utterly repugnant to God. It emphasizes how seriously God views crookedness—not as a small flaw, but as something He cannot accept.
  • "LORD" (יהוה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, reminding readers that the relationship described is not with a distant deity, but with the covenant God of Israel.
  • "secret" (סוֹד, sod): This word means confidential counsel, intimacy, or close friendship. It suggests that God shares His wisdom and guidance in a special way with those who are upright.
  • "righteous" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means straight, upright, or honest. It’s not just about following rules, but about having a heart and life that are aligned with what is right.

Why Proverbs 3:32 matters

  • Proverbs 3:32 clears up the idea that God’s favor is based only on outward actions; the verse shows that God looks at the heart and motives, valuing honesty and integrity.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s guidance and friendship are not automatic for everyone, but are reserved for those who choose to live uprightly.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs 3, this verse strengthens the call to trust in God and avoid the ways of those who twist the truth, highlighting the real-life consequences of character choices.

Where else these words appear

“froward” Hebrew H3868 · used in 6 verses

  • Proverbs 2:15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
  • Proverbs 3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
  • Proverbs 14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

“secret” Hebrew H5475 · used in 21 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 64:2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
  • Proverbs 25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

“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.

“righteous” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
  • Psalms 140:13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.