Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:26, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
American Standard Version
Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words [are] pure.
World English Bible version
Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.
Proverbs 15:26 Meaning & Commentary
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure. – Proverbs 15:26 (ESV)
Our thoughts and words are a big part of what makes us who we are. Our thoughts – the way we think shapes our behavior and actions. This is why The Bible says that we are the sum of our thoughts: Proverbs 23:7 – For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. Furthermore, we are told to be transformed by the renewing of our mind: Romans 12: 2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The truth is that God knows and sees everything. No human being knows the thoughts of our heart, but Proverbs 15:26 makes it clear that God knows our thoughts; otherwise – how could they be an abomination to Him if He does not know them? We see this truth spoken of in the New Testament as well: Hebrews 4:13 – And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
The second part of Proverbs 15:26 says that gracious words are pure. The words we speak have the power to direct and steer our lives, and just as with our thoughts – God sees and hears the words we speak. Before there are ‘external results’ in our lives, there is always a ‘private life’ behind those ‘external results.’ The results may be what we hoped for or may not be what we hoped for.
Either way, we can often trace them back to our thoughts and words. For example, if we have a ‘deep-seated’ belief that we will not be successful – we will not speak and declare it and, therefore, will not find success in life.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 15:26 to our lives?
We need to live our lives with the same intent that King David had: Psalm 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. David’s desire was to be pleasing to God, not only in his actions – but also in his thoughts and words. We can pray this same prayer that King David prayed to God and trust Him that he will help us guard our hearts and words.
However, the truth is that this is largely our responsibility. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts: Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. This means we should ‘stand guard’ over our thought life, and any thoughts that come to us which are not in line with God’s word should be rejected and not allowed to take root in our thought life! This is, however, why it is so important to know God’s word well.
How can we reject thoughts that are not in line with God’s word if we do not know God’s word? Our heart and words ‘work together’ – Jesus taught us this principle: Matthew 12:34 – You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. When our hearts are pure, it is much easier to control our words. If our hearts are wicked, what is on the inside will eventually come out through our mouths! We should prioritize God’s word in our lives and allow it to transform our lives from the inside out! In the same way, if our hearts are pure and connected to God, we won’t need to work hard to ‘watch what we say,’ as our mouths and hearts are intrinsically connected!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that Your eyes are on everyone everywhere. I pray that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart will be pleasing and acceptable to You. I ask that Your word become alive to me and transform the way I think, see life, and see myself. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
