Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:9, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
American Standard Version
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
World English Bible version
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
Proverbs 15:9 Meaning & Commentary
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness. – Proverbs 15:9 (ESV)
We need to know and understand that God is holy, and we are to pursue holiness: 1 Peter 1:16 – since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” We need to understand that although we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (if we have accepted Jesus Christ), we still need to go through the process of sanctification and developing a holy and righteous lifestyle:
2 Thessalonians 2:13 – But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. God’s grace teaches us to say no to ungodly living and to walk in a way that is pleasing to God:
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. We are justified by faith, only, however, “works” are required – because if there are no works, there is no faith: James 2:14 – What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? We need to understand that works and our own righteousness cannot and will not save us:
Isaiah 64:6 – We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Not only are we saved by faith, but we cannot please God WITHOUT FAITH: Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:9 to our lives?
We must know and understand that walking with God is a walk of faith: Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. It is our faith in Jesus Christ – not our own deeds which makes us righteous before God:
Romans 1:17 – For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” We have received God’s grace to live righteously: 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.
As we turn from wickedness and pursue God, we become more like Him, and the fruit of The Spirit begins to grow in our lives: Galatians 5:22 -But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. We do not need to “try hard” to turn from wickedness – instead, The Bible calls us to “pursue holiness”: 2 Timothy 2:22 – So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Although we are made righteousness in Christ – we still need to pursue righteousness through our walk with him. We do this by the grace of God, by fleeing our earthly passions and seeking after God by applying spiritual essentials, and by renewing our minds with God’s Word. This enables us to fulfill His perfect will on this earth: 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.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for your great love for me. I desire to walk in holiness, even as You are holy. I thank You for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ – and that I am made righteous through Him.
Help me to pursue and walk in righteousness in every area of my life. I ask this now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
