Proverbs 15:9 (DRB)

Passage

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: he that followeth justice is beloved by him.

Nearby Context

Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise shall disperse knowledge: the heart of fools shall be unlike.

Proverbs 15:8 The victims of the wicked are abominable to the Lord: the vows of the just are acceptable.

Proverbs 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: he that followeth justice is beloved by him.

Proverbs 15:10 Instruction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way of life: he that hateth reproof shall die.

Proverbs 15:11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more the hearts of the children of men?

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "wicked", "abomination", "lord", "followeth", "justice", and "beloved". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "wicked" and "abomination", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 8's "The victims of the wicked are abominable..." into verse 10's "Instruction is grievous to him that forsaketh...", so "wicked" and "abomination" belong inside that flow. In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "wicked" and "abomination" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.