for the LORD detests the perverse
The term "detests" indicates a strong aversion or hatred, suggesting that the LORD has a profound moral opposition to those who are perverse. In biblical context, "perverse" refers to those who are morally corrupt or who deliberately deviate from what is right. This aligns with other scriptures such as Proverbs 11:20, which states, "The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless." The concept of divine detestation is rooted in the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate sin or moral corruption. Historically, the Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart from the surrounding pagan cultures, which often engaged in practices considered perverse by biblical standards. This phrase underscores the importance of moral integrity and the consequences of deviating from God's righteous path.

but He is a friend to the upright
The word "friend" here implies a close, supportive relationship, indicating that God offers guidance, protection, and favor to those who are upright. "Upright" refers to individuals who live in accordance with God's laws and exhibit integrity and righteousness in their actions. This is echoed in Psalm 25:14, "The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them." The upright are those who align their lives with God's will, and as a result, they experience His friendship and blessing. This relationship is not just a reward but a reflection of God's character, as He is inherently just and righteous. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who embodies perfect righteousness and offers friendship to those who follow Him. The promise of divine friendship serves as an encouragement to pursue a life of integrity and faithfulness.

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.

2. The Perverse
Those who are morally corrupt, deceitful, or deviate from what is right and true.

3. The Upright
Individuals who live in integrity, righteousness, and alignment with God's will.God's Displeasure with Perversity
The Hebrew word for "perverse" ("naloz") implies a deviation from the right path. God’s detestation of perversity underscores His holiness and the importance of moral integrity.

The Value of Uprightness
Being upright is not just about external actions but involves a heart aligned with God’s truth. This alignment brings about a special relationship with God, described as friendship.

The Importance of Integrity
Integrity is foundational for a life that pleases God. It involves consistency in character and actions, reflecting God’s nature.

The Blessing of Divine Friendship
God’s friendship is a profound blessing, offering guidance, protection, and peace. It is a relationship that should be cherished and pursued.

Practical Steps to Uprightness
Regular self-examination, prayer, and study of Scripture help maintain a path of uprightness. Seeking accountability within a community of believers can also support this journey.(32) His secret is with the righteous--i.e., He holds confidential intercourse with them. (Comp. Psalm 25:14, and the reward of love and obedience to Christ, that both Father and Son will "come" unto the believer, and "make their abode with him," through the indwelling Spirit, John 14:23.)

Verse 32. - This verse gives the reason for the previous warning. The oppressor is here included under the more general term, "the froward." The froward; naloz, hiph. participle from luz, "to bend aside," and hence a perverted or wicked man, one who turns aside from the way of uprightness, a transgressor of the Law (cf. LXX., παράνομος); and so the opposite of "the righteous," y'sharim, "the upright," those who pursue the path of justness, or the straightforward. Abomination (toevah); i.e. an abhorrence, something which, being impure and unclean (cf. LXX., ἀκάθαρτος), is especially abhorrent to Jehovah. In some passages it is connected with idolatry, as in 1 Kings 14:24 and 2 Kings 23:13, but is never used in this sense in the Proverbs, where it occurs about twenty times (see Proverbs 28:9; Proverbs 21:27; Proverbs 11:1, 20, etc.). The passage shows that prosperity and worldly success are not always a true measure of Divine favour. His secret (sodo); Vulgate, sermocinatio. Here sod probably means "familiar intercourse," as in Job 29:4 and Psalm 25:14; and hence the special favour with which Jehovah regards the upright, by revealing to them what he conceals item others, or his friendship (compare what our Lord says in John 15:14, 15). Dathe translates "probis vero est familiaris." Gesenius says sod properly means "a couch," or triclinium on which people recline; but Delitzsch derives it from the root sod, "to be firm," "compressed," and states that it therefore means properly "a being together, or sitting together." The LXX. eontinues the "froward man" (παράνομος) as the subject, and renders, "Every transgressor is impure before God, and does not sit together with (οὐ συνεδριάζει) the just."

Parallel Commentaries ...


for
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

detests
תוֹעֲבַ֣ת (ṯō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8441: Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol

the perverse,
נָל֑וֹז (nā·lō·wz)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3868: To turn aside, to depart, be perverse

but He is a friend
סוֹדֽוֹ׃ (sō·w·ḏōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5475: A session, company of persons, intimacy, consultation, a secret

to the upright.
יְשָׁרִ֥ים (yə·šā·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477: Straight, right


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:32 For the perverse is an abomination (Prov. Pro Pr)