The Meaning of Proverbs 15:9 Explained

Proverbs 15:9

KJV: The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

YLT: An abomination to Jehovah is the way of the wicked, And whoso is pursuing righteousness He loveth.

Darby: The way of a wicked man is an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursueth righteousness he loveth.

ASV: The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

The way  of the wicked  [is] an abomination  unto the LORD:  but he loveth  him that followeth  after righteousness. 

What does Proverbs 15:9 Mean?

Context Summary

Proverbs 15:1-17 - Kind Words And Glad Hearts
A soft answer; the tongue of the wise; a wholesome tongue; the lips of the wise; the prayer of the upright-these keywords touch one of the greatest departments of human influence. If we can rule our speech, or at least hand over our tongue and lips to the keeping of God's Spirit, what a world of trouble we should save ourselves and others! And God would keep watch over us and for us. See Proverbs 15:3, r.v.
Notice, also, the inducements to a right and holy life! Treasure in the house; answered prayer; the love of God; a cheerful heart; a contented mind-such are some of the by-products and experiences of those whose life is "hid with Christ in God." When we put first things in the first place, all else is added.
What a comfort it is that God searcheth our hearts and knoweth them altogether! Yes, and even when He chastens and corrects us, it is well. There is no bliss comparable to that of the forgiven sinner, who is called into "the secret place of the Most High." [source]

Chapter Summary: Proverbs 15

1  A gentle answer turns away wrath

What do the individual words in Proverbs 15:9 mean?

[is] an abomination to Yahweh the way of the wicked but him who follows righteousness He loves
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת יְ֭הוָה דֶּ֣רֶךְ רָשָׁ֑ע וּמְרַדֵּ֖ף צְדָקָ֣ה יֶאֱהָֽב

תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת  [is]  an  abomination  to 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular construct
Root: תֹּועֵבָה  
Sense: a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable.
יְ֭הוָה  Yahweh 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יהוה 
Sense: the proper name of the one true God.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ  the  way 
Parse: Noun, common singular
Root: דֶּרֶךְ  
Sense: way, road, distance, journey, manner.
רָשָׁ֑ע  of  the  wicked 
Parse: Adjective, masculine singular
Root: רָשָׁע  
Sense: wicked, criminal.
וּמְרַדֵּ֖ף  but  him  who  follows 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Piel, Participle, masculine singular
Root: רָדַף  
Sense: to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after.
צְדָקָ֣ה  righteousness 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular
Root: צְדָקָה  
Sense: justice, righteousness.
יֶאֱהָֽב  He  loves 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: אָהַב  
Sense: to love.