Proverbs 3:32

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 3:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; But his friendship is with the upright.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; But his friendship is with the upright.
Proverbs 3:32 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; But his friendship is with the upright.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the froward [is] abomination to the Lord, etc.] The perverse man, that pleases not God, and is contrary to all men, as the Jews were; one froward in his words and actions: “who transgresses the law”, as the Arabic version renders it; one that acts contrary to the nature, will, and word of God; and such an one is not only abominable in his sight, but an “abomination” itself; it is sin, which is that abominable thing that God hates, that makes him so: and the Targum is, “for iniquity is abominable before the Lord;” but his secret [is] with the righteous: not such who are outwardly so to others, or trust in themselves that they are righteous, or seek for righteousness by their own works;…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Reasons for the warning. froward-- (Pro 2:15). secret . . . righteous--in their communion (Amo 3:7).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A marked change in style. The continuous exhortation is replaced by a series of maxims. From them to whom it is due - literally, as in the margin. The precept expresses the great Scriptural thought that the so-called possession of wealth is but a stewardship; that the true owners of what we call our own are those to whom, with it, we may do good. Not to relieve them is a breach of trust. Proverbs 3:28 Procrastination is especially fatal to the giving impulse. The Septuagint adds the caution: “for thou knowest not what the morrow will bring forth.” Proverbs 3:29 Securely - i. e., “With full trust,” without care or suspicion. Compare Judges 18:7, Judges 18:27. Proverbs 3:31 A protest against…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Abomination - Therefore sooner or later he must be miserable. The righteous - They are God's friends, to whom he imparts the favours and comforts to which other men are strangers. Proverbs 3:33”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the froward: Pro 6:6-19, Pro 8:13, Pro 11:20, Pro 17:15; Psa 18:26; Luk 16:15 his: Pro 14:10; Psa 25:14; Mat 11:25, Mat 13:11; Joh 14:21-24, Joh 15:15; Rev 2:17 Proverbs 3:33”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification