Proverbs 17:15 Meaning and Explanation
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Both acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent are abominations to God.
The Context of Proverbs 17:15
Biblical law and wisdom emphasize God's commitment to justice and truth.
What Does Proverbs 17:15 Mean?
The verse pairs two inversions of justice and shows them as equally vile. To declare the wicked person innocent is to pervert judgment. To pronounce guilty verdicts on the just is to pervert judgment equally. Both acts overthrow the moral order and insult the character of God, who is righteous and just.
This applies not only to judges but to anyone in a position to influence others' reputations and standing. Defending the guilty or attacking the innocent—whether in court, in gossip, or in the court of public opinion—aligns oneself against God's own nature and draws His absolute condemnation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 17:15
What does Proverbs 17:15 mean?
Both acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent are abominations to God.
What is the context of Proverbs 17:15?
Biblical law and wisdom emphasize God's commitment to justice and truth.