Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
but those who act faithfully are his delight.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
NIV · New International Version
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
WEB · World English Bible
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight.
What does Proverbs 12:22 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are abomination to the Lord,.... Such that speak lies in common talk; and that deliver out doctrinal lies, false doctrines, lies in hypocrisy, as are the doctrines of Rome; these are abominable unto God; as being contrary to his nature as the God of truth; contrary to the Scriptures of truth he has endited; contrary to the truth of the Gospel he has published; contrary to his Son, who is truth itself; and to the Spirit of truth, which leads into all truth, as it is in Jesus; wherefore an abomination and a lie are joined together, Revelation 21:27; but they that deal truly are his delight; or the objects of "his good will" and pleasure, as the word (i) signifies; they are grateful…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 12:22
We are here taught, 1. To hate lying, and to keep at the utmost distance from it, because it is an abomination to the Lord, and renders those abominable in his sight that allow themselves in it, not only because it is a breach of his law, but because it is destructive to human society. 2. To make conscience of truth, not only in our words, but in all our actions, because those that deal truly and sincerely in all their dealings are his delight, and he is well pleased with them. We delight to converse with, and make use of, those that are honest and that we may put a confidence in; such therefore let us be, that we may recommend ourselves to the favour both of God and man.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 12:19–25 (WEB)
19Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary. 20Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace. 21No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight. 23A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness. 24The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. 25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
Cross references
- Psalms 5:6
- Proverbs 6:16–17
There are six things which the LORD hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him:
- Proverbs 11:20
Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.
- Revelation 22:15
Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
- Jeremiah 9:24
But let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for I delight in these things,” says the LORD.
- Isaiah 9:15
The elder and the honorable man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail.
- Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but accurate weights are his delight.
- Ezekiel 13:22
Because with lies you have grieved the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, and be saved alive.