Proverbs 29:27
New International Version
The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

New Living Translation
The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.

English Standard Version
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

Berean Standard Bible
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

King James Bible
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

New King James Version
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

New American Standard Bible
An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

NASB 1995
An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.

NASB 1977
An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.

Legacy Standard Bible
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Amplified Bible
An unjust man is repulsive to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way [of the LORD] is repulsive to the wicked.

Christian Standard Bible
An unjust person is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

American Standard Version
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Contemporary English Version
Good people and criminals can't stand each other.

English Revised Version
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous: and he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
An unjust person is disgusting to righteous people. A decent person is disgusting to wicked people.

Good News Translation
The righteous hate the wicked, and the wicked hate the righteous.

International Standard Version
The unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and whoever lives blamelessly is detestable to the wicked.

Majority Standard Bible
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

NET Bible
An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, and the one who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked.

New Heart English Bible
A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.

Webster's Bible Translation
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

World English Bible
A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The perverse man [is] an abomination to the righteous, "" And the upright in the way [is] an abomination to the wicked!

Young's Literal Translation
An abomination to the righteous is the perverse man, And an abomination to the wicked is the upright in the way!

Smith's Literal Translation
A man of iniquity is an abomination of the just; and the upright of way, an abomination of the unjust one.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The just abhor the wicked man: and the wicked loathe them that are in the right way. The son that keepeth the word, shall be free from destruction.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The just abhor an impious man. And the impious abhor those who are on the right way. By keeping the word, the son shall be free from perdition.

New American Bible
An abomination to the just, the evildoer; an abomination to the wicked, one whose way is straight.

New Revised Standard Version
The unjust are an abomination to the righteous, but the upright are an abomination to the wicked.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
An unjust man is an abomination to the just; and a right way is an abomination to the wicked.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
An evil man is defiled to the righteous, and the right way is defiled to the evil ones.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A righteous man is an abomination to an unrighteous man, and the direct way is an abomination to the sinner.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed
26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. 27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.

Cross References
Psalm 1:1-6
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. ...

Isaiah 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.

1 John 3:12-13
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. / So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.

John 15:18-19
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.

1 Peter 4:3-4
For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. / Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.

1 John 3:7-8
Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. / The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.

2 Timothy 3:12-13
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, / while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Psalm 37:12-15
The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, / but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. / The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. ...

John 3:19-20
And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Romans 1:32
Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Peter 3:14-16
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” / But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, / keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Proverbs 24:9
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

Psalm 119:115
Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

Psalm 139:21
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

Jump to Previous
Abominable Abomination Detest Detests Disgusting Dishonest Evil Evil-Doers Perverse Righteous Straight Unjust Upright Way Ways Wicked
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Abominable Abomination Detest Detests Disgusting Dishonest Evil Evil-Doers Perverse Righteous Straight Unjust Upright Way Ways Wicked
Proverbs 29
1. observations of public government
15. and of private
22. Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption














An unjust man is detestable to the righteous
The concept of justice is central to biblical teaching, with God Himself being the ultimate judge and standard of righteousness. In the Hebrew context, "unjust" refers to those who act contrary to God's laws and principles. The righteous, those who live in accordance with God's will, find such behavior abhorrent because it contradicts the divine order. This sentiment is echoed in Psalm 1, where the righteous are contrasted with the wicked. The righteous are like a tree planted by streams of water, while the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on community and covenantal faithfulness, making the actions of the unjust particularly offensive to those who sought to live in harmony with God's commands.

and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked
The "upright" refers to those who live with integrity and moral rectitude, aligning their lives with God's standards. In a world where sin is prevalent, those who pursue righteousness often face opposition and hostility from those who reject God's authority. This tension is seen throughout Scripture, such as in the story of Cain and Abel, where Abel's righteous offering incites Cain's jealousy and leads to murder. Jesus Himself warned His followers that they would be hated by the world because they are not of the world (John 15:18-19). The cultural and historical context of the Bible often shows a clear division between those who follow God and those who oppose Him, highlighting the spiritual battle between light and darkness. This proverb underscores the inevitable conflict between good and evil, a theme that runs throughout the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Unjust Man
Represents those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles, often engaging in deceit, corruption, and immorality.

2. The Righteous
Individuals who strive to live according to God's commandments, seeking justice, truth, and moral integrity.

3. The Wicked
Those who reject God's ways and often oppose those who live righteously, finding their uprightness offensive or threatening.

4. The Upright Way
The path of life that aligns with God's will, characterized by honesty, integrity, and moral uprightness.

5. The Detestable Nature
The mutual disdain between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the spiritual and moral divide between them.
Teaching Points
The Incompatibility of Righteousness and Wickedness
Just as light cannot coexist with darkness, the righteous and the wicked are fundamentally opposed in their values and actions.

The Call to Righteous Living
Believers are encouraged to pursue righteousness, even when it leads to opposition or disdain from the world.

Understanding Spiritual Conflict
Recognize that the disdain from the wicked is often a spiritual battle, reflecting the deeper conflict between God's kingdom and the world.

Maintaining Integrity Amidst Opposition
Uphold your commitment to God's ways, knowing that the approval of God is more important than the acceptance of the world.

The Importance of Community
Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support and encourage you in your walk of faith, especially when facing opposition.Verse 27. - An unjust man is an abomination to the just. This great moral contrast, marked and universal, is a fitting close of the book. The word "abomination" (toebah) occurs more than twenty times in the Proverbs; it is appropriate here because the good man looks upon the sinner as the enemy of God, as the psalmist says, "Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them thine enemies" (Psalm 139:21, etc.). He that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked; because he is a standing reproach to him, and by every tone and look and action seems to express his condemnation (see on Proverbs 21:15, and the Septuagint Version there; and comp. 1 Kings 21:20: Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 8:34; John 15:19). Septuagint, "A direct way is an abomination to the lawless." The Vulgate ends the chapter with a paragraph which is found in some manuscripts of the Septuagint after Proverbs 24:22 (where see note), Verbum custodiens filius extra perditionem erit.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
An unjust
עָ֑וֶל (‘ā·wel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5766: Injustice, unrighteousness

man
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

is detestable
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת (tō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8441: Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol

to the righteous,
צַ֭דִּיקִים (ṣad·dî·qîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

and one whose way
דָּֽרֶךְ׃ (dā·reḵ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

is upright
יְשַׁר־ (yə·šar-)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3477: Straight, right

is detestable
וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת (wə·ṯō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8441: Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol

to the wicked.
רָשָׁ֣ע (rā·šā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:27 A dishonest man detests the righteous (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 29:26
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