Proverbs 8:13
New International Version
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

New Living Translation
All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.

English Standard Version
The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Berean Standard Bible
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.

King James Bible
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

New King James Version
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.

New American Standard Bible
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride, arrogance, the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate.

NASB 1995
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate.

NASB 1977
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate.

Legacy Standard Bible
The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the mouth of perverted words, I hate.

Amplified Bible
“The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the LORD includes the hatred of evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way, And the perverted mouth, I hate.

Christian Standard Bible
To fear the LORD is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
To fear the LORD is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.

American Standard Version
The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the perverse mouth, do I hate.

Contemporary English Version
If you respect the LORD, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies.

English Revised Version
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
To fear the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech.

Good News Translation
To honor the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil ways and false words.

International Standard Version
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle, and perverted speech I despise.

Majority Standard Bible
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.

NET Bible
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride and the evil way and perverse utterances.

New Heart English Bible
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

Webster's Bible Translation
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

World English Bible
The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The fear of YHWH [is] to hate evil; Pride, and arrogance, and an evil way, "" And a contrary mouth, I have hated.

Young's Literal Translation
The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; Pride, and arrogance, and an evil way, And a froward mouth, I have hated.

Smith's Literal Translation
The fear of Jehovah hates evil: pride and haughtiness, and the evil way, and the mouth of perverseness I hated.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The fear of the Lord hateth evil: I hate arrogance, and pride, and every wicked way, and a mouth with a double tongue.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The fear of the Lord hates evil. I detest arrogance, and pride, and every wicked way, and a mouth with a double tongue.

New American Bible
[The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil;] Pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate.

New Revised Standard Version
The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Reverence of the LORD despises evil; pride, arrogance, evil ways, and perverse speech do I hate.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The worship of LORD JEHOVAH is hating evil; pomp, pride, the evil way, and the perverse mouth, I hate.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the froward mouth, do I hate.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness, and insolence, and pride, and the ways of wicked men; and I hate the perverse ways of bad men.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Excellence of Wisdom
12I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. 14Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.…

Cross References
James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Psalm 97:10
Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

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

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

Job 28:28
And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Proverbs 16:6
By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ...

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 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Psalm 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

1 Corinthians 13:4-6
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?


Treasury of Scripture

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the fraudulent mouth, do I hate.

the fear

Proverbs 16:6
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Psalm 97:10
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

pride

Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: …

1 Samuel 2:3
Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

Psalm 5:4,5
For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee…

the froward

Proverbs 4:24
Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

Proverbs 6:12
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

Proverbs 10:31
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

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Arrogance Arrogancy Behavior Evil False. Fear Froward Hate Hated Hating Hatred High Mouth Oneself Opinion Perverse Perverted Pride Speech Tongue Unpleasing Way
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Arrogance Arrogancy Behavior Evil False. Fear Froward Hate Hated Hating Hatred High Mouth Oneself Opinion Perverse Perverted Pride Speech Tongue Unpleasing Way
Proverbs 8
1. the fame
6. and evidence of wisdom
10. The excellence
12. the nature
15. the power
18. the riches
22. and the eternity of wisdom
32. Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings














To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
The fear of the LORD is a foundational theme in Proverbs, representing a deep reverence and awe for God. This fear is not merely an emotional response but a commitment to align one's life with God's will. Hating evil is a natural outcome of this fear, as evil is contrary to God's nature. In biblical context, evil encompasses sin, injustice, and anything that opposes God's righteousness. This phrase echoes Job 28:28, where wisdom is equated with fearing the Lord and shunning evil. The call to hate evil is a call to reject sin in all its forms, aligning with the holiness God demands from His people.

I hate arrogant pride,
Arrogant pride is often condemned in Scripture as it reflects a self-sufficiency that denies the need for God. Pride was the sin of Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15) and is frequently listed among the sins God detests (Proverbs 6:16-19). In the cultural context of ancient Israel, humility was valued, and pride was seen as a precursor to downfall (Proverbs 16:18). This phrase emphasizes that true wisdom and fear of the Lord involve recognizing one's dependence on God and rejecting self-exaltation.

evil conduct,
Evil conduct refers to actions that are morally wrong and contrary to God's commandments. In the historical context of Israel, the Law provided a clear standard for righteous behavior, and deviation from it was considered evil. This includes acts of injustice, idolatry, and immorality. The prophets often called out Israel for their evil deeds, urging them to return to God's ways (Isaiah 1:16-17). This phrase underscores the importance of living a life that reflects God's righteousness and justice.

and perverse speech.
Perverse speech includes lying, deceit, slander, and any form of communication that distorts truth and harms others. The Bible frequently warns against the power of the tongue to cause destruction (James 3:5-6). In the cultural context, speech was a reflection of one's character and heart (Matthew 12:34). This phrase highlights the importance of integrity and truthfulness in communication, aligning with the biblical call to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. Proverbs is a collection of his wise sayings.

2. Wisdom
Personified in Proverbs 8, wisdom is depicted as a woman calling out to people to follow her ways. This chapter emphasizes the value and importance of wisdom in a believer's life.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Old Testament, representing His eternal and unchanging nature. The fear of the LORD is a central theme in Proverbs.
Teaching Points
The Fear of the LORD
The fear of the LORD is not about being afraid but having a reverential awe and respect for God. It is foundational to wisdom and leads to a life that honors Him.

Hating Evil
To truly fear the LORD, one must actively reject and despise evil in all its forms. This includes not only actions but also thoughts and attitudes.

Rejecting Pride
Arrogant pride is detestable to God. Believers are called to humility, recognizing their dependence on God and the need to submit to His will.

Guarding Speech
Perverse speech is condemned. Believers should strive for purity in their words, reflecting the character of Christ in their communication.

Living Wisely
Embracing wisdom involves making choices that align with God's values, rejecting sin, and pursuing righteousness in everyday life.(13) The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.--Because there can never be any truce between the kingdoms of light and darkness (Matthew 6:24), so if we are the friend of one, we must be the enemy of the other.

Pride and arrogancy . . . do I hate.--See above on Proverbs 6:17.

Verse 13. - The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. Wisdom here enunciates the proposition which is the foundation of all her teaching, only here, as it were, on the reverse side, net as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10), but as the hatred of evil; she then proceeds to particularize the evil which the Lord hates. Taking the clause in this sense, we have no need to alter the persons and forms of the verbs to "I fear the Lord, I hate evil," as Dathe and others suggest; still less to suppress the whole paragraph as a late insertion. These violent measures are arbitrary and quite unnecessary, the present text allowing a natural and sufficient exposition. There can be no fellowship between light and darkness; he who serves the Lord must renounce the works of the devil. Pride and arrogancy, which are opposed to the sovereign virtue of humility, are the first sins which Wisdom names. These are among the things which the Lord is said to hate (Proverbs 6:17, etc.). "Initium omnis peccati est superbia" (Ecclus. 10:15, Vet. Lat.). The evil way; i.e. sins of conduct, "way" being, as commonly, equivalent to "manner of life." The froward mouth; literally, mouth of perverseness, sins of speech (see on Proverbs 2:12; and comp. 10:31); Vulgate, os bilingue.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
To fear
יִֽרְאַ֣ת (yir·’aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence

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

is to hate
שְֽׂנֹ֫את (śə·nōṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8130: To hate

evil;
רָ֥ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

I hate
שָׂנֵֽאתִי׃ (śā·nê·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

arrogant
וְגָא֨וֹן ׀ (wə·ḡā·’ō·wn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1347: Arrogance, majesty, ornament

pride,
גֵּ֘אָ֤ה (gê·’āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1344: Arrogance

evil
רָ֭ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

conduct,
וְדֶ֣רֶךְ (wə·ḏe·reḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

and perverse
תַהְפֻּכ֬וֹת (ṯah·pu·ḵō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8419: Perversity, perverse thing

speech.
וּפִ֨י (ū·p̄î)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to


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