Proverbs 15:26 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but (the words) of the pure (are) pleasant words - Hebrew, 'words of pleasantness.' Each clause is to be supplied from the other. "The thoughts of the wicked (and therefore also their words flowing from their thoughts) are an abomination to the Lord: but (the thoughts, and therefore) the words of the pure are pleasant words." According as the thoughts are bad or good, so the words are abomination or pleasantness before the Lord. It is a vain excuse for bad words to say, 'I meant no harm' (T. Cartwright). Gejer and Maurer translate, 'But pleasant words (i:e., words breathing grace, and not worldly vanity, Proverbs 16:23-24) are pure (i:e., acceptable) words.' Thus, "pure," or 'clean,' before the Lord, is antithetical to "an abomination to the Lord." I prefer the English version (cf. James 4:8).