Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:20, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
American Standard Version
They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah; But such as are perfect in [their] way are his delight.
World English Bible version
Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.
Proverbs 11:20 Meaning & Commentary
God desires that we live and walk in a way that is blameless before Him. As we walk with God in a blameless manner, we will please Him, draw nearer to Him and be an example and a shining light to other people, which will bring God glory: Philippians 2:15 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
To walk in a blameless way does not mean we are perfect, but it means that we are pursuing God and, in following Him, actively taking steps to draw closer to Him: James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. A few “steps” are found in this verse in the book of James. But, this verse is a good example or “snapshot” of someone whose ways are blameless.
The Bible tells us that God’s desire is for us to be the focus and attention of His love: Ephesians 1:4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. We cannot be crooked and blameless at the same time – It is one or the other.
Bible commands us to be holy, as God is holy: 1 Peter 1:16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” God delights in His people, but a holy and righteous people, who are washed in the blood of Jesus Christ and walk with Him in faith!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:20 to our lives?
We do not have to try harder to walk in a way pleasing to God and not be “crooked.” As we walk with God and follow Him in all things, whatever is crooked in our lives will fall by the wayside. If we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh, or put another way, crookedness will begin to leave our lives, and we will start to walk in a way that is pleasing to God: Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
There are some practical ways that we can begin to make our ways blameless and draw closer to God: These are prayer, reading The Bible, dealing with sin, and connecting with other believers. Prayer and reading The Bible are fellowshipping with God and drawing close to Him to encounter Him and experience His presence. Connecting with other believers is essential because we are mutually encouraged and inspired by each other’s faith. A practical way to deal with sin is to confess it to other believers and have them pray for us.
This positions us to receive God’s grace, and we will begin to walk in victory: James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. God gives Grace to the humble, and His grace empowers us to live victoriously: Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for reminding me that you delight in a person walking blamelessly before you. I thank You that the blood of Jesus Christ has made righteous before you. Help me now to walk in Your Grace which trains me in the ways of Godliness.
I desire to seek more of You. Let every crooked thing in me be removed so that I walk in a manner fully pleasing to You. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
