Acquitting the guiltyThis phrase highlights the concept of justice in biblical terms. In ancient Israel, the legal system was based on the Law given by God, which emphasized fairness and righteousness. Acquitting the guilty is seen as a perversion of justice, as it allows wrongdoing to go unpunished. This is contrary to the character of God, who is just and holy. The Bible consistently condemns such actions, as seen in
Isaiah 5:23, which warns against justifying the wicked for a bribe. This principle is also reflected in the New Testament, where justice and truth are upheld as virtues.
and condemning the righteous—
Condemning the righteous is equally condemned in Scripture. The righteous, those who live according to God's laws and principles, should be upheld and protected by the justice system. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, the righteous were often those who were marginalized or oppressed, and the law was meant to protect them. This phrase echoes the sentiment found inExodus 23:7, which instructs not to kill the innocent and righteous. The condemnation of the righteous is seen as an affront to God's justice and order.
both are detestable to the LORD.
The term "detestable" indicates something that is abhorrent or loathsome to God. This strong language underscores the seriousness with which God views the perversion of justice. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as a righteous judge who abhors injustice.Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that are detestable to the Lord, including a false witness who pours out lies. This phrase also points to the ultimate justice of God, who will one day judge the world in righteousness through Jesus Christ, as seen inActs 17:31. The detestability of these actions reflects God's perfect nature and His desire for His people to reflect His justice and righteousness in their lives.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORDThe central figure in this verse, representing God's character and His standards of justice and righteousness.
2.
The GuiltyThose who have committed wrongdoing or sin, deserving of punishment according to God's law.
3.
The RighteousIndividuals who live according to God's commandments and are in right standing with Him.
4.
Judicial ContextThe verse implies a setting where judgments are made, possibly in a court or community setting where justice is administered.
5.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding of God's laws.
Teaching Points
God's Standard of JusticeGod detests injustice, whether it is acquitting the guilty or condemning the righteous. His standard is absolute and unchanging.
The Importance of Righteous JudgmentAs followers of Christ, we are called to uphold justice in our communities, ensuring that our judgments align with God's truth.
Moral Integrity in LeadershipLeaders, whether in the church or society, must exercise discernment and integrity, reflecting God's justice in their decisions.
Personal Reflection on JusticeBelievers should examine their own lives to ensure they are not guilty of unjust actions or attitudes, seeking God's guidance to live righteously.
The Role of Mercy and TruthWhile justice is crucial, it must be balanced with mercy and truth, reflecting the full character of God in our interactions with others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 17:15?
2.How does Proverbs 17:15 define justice in God's eyes?
3.What are the consequences of justifying the wicked, according to Proverbs 17:15?
4.How can we apply Proverbs 17:15 in our daily decision-making?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize God's view on justice and righteousness?
6.How can Proverbs 17:15 guide us in evaluating leaders and authorities?
7.How does Proverbs 17:15 challenge our understanding of justice and righteousness?
8.Why does God detest justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous in Proverbs 17:15?
9.What historical context influenced the message of Proverbs 17:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17?
11.Proverbs 17:15 declares it detestable to acquit the guilty or condemn the innocent. Why, then, do biblical narratives sometimes show God allowing what appears to be unjust suffering?
12.Does the Bible mention condemnation?
13.Which historical context supports the harsh curses in Psalm 58 when other biblical texts advocate forgiveness?
14.Why doesn't God forgive everyone unconditionally?What Does Proverbs 17:15 Mean
Acquitting the guilty“Acquitting the guilty” means declaring someone innocent who is, in fact, guilty. Scripture consistently forbids this kind of judicial corruption.
•Exodus 23:7 warns, “Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.”
•Isaiah 5:23 condemns leaders who “acquit the guilty for a bribe.”
•Proverbs 24:24 adds, “Whoever says to the guilty, ‘You are innocent,’ will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.”
God’s character is perfectly just; therefore, when a court, a parent, a teacher, or anyone in authority excuses wrongdoing, that action contradicts His nature. Justice is not merely a social ideal; it reflects the very heart of God.
Condemning the righteousThe second half of the proverb confronts the opposite evil—punishing those who have done no wrong.
•Exodus 23:7 also commands, “Do not put an innocent or honest person to death.”
•Proverbs 18:5 says, “Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.”
•Isaiah 10:1–2 denounces leaders “who make unjust laws” that rob the innocent of their rights.
To condemn the righteous frustrates God’s design for civil order, undermines trust, and causes the innocent to suffer. It is more than a procedural error; it is a moral offense against the Lord Himself.
Both are detestable to the LORDThe verse ends, “both are detestable to the LORD.” God finds either distortion of justice equally abhorrent.
•Deuteronomy 25:16 states, “All who deal dishonestly are an abomination to the LORD your God.”
•Proverbs 11:1 calls dishonest scales “detestable to the LORD,” linking economic fairness to judicial fairness.
•Micah 6:8 summarizes God’s requirement: “to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
These passages show that justice is not a human invention but a divine mandate. Whether partiality favors the guilty or persecutes the innocent, the LORD reacts with the same holy revulsion.
Living it outJustice is a calling for every believer, not just judges.
• In daily relationships, speak truthfully and refuse to cover for wrongdoing (Ephesians 4:25).
• When tempted to judge others hastily, remember Jesus’ warning inJohn 7:24: “Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”
• Stand up for those falsely accused (Proverbs 31:8–9) and resist any pressure to excuse sin for personal gain.
• The gospel itself satisfies both sides of this proverb: at the cross, God did not acquit the guilty without payment, nor condemn the righteous without purpose. In Christ, “He is just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:26).
summaryProverbs 17:15 speaks to the heart of God’s justice: wrong must not be excused, nor right punished. Either distortion is “detestable to the LORD” because both misrepresent His holy character. He calls His people to mirror His integrity—upholding truth, protecting the innocent, and refusing any compromise that would pervert justice.
(15)
He that justifieth the wicked--i.e.,acquits. The perversion of justice was a fruitful source of evil in Israel, and a constant topic of reproach in the mouth of the prophets (
1Samuel 8:3;
Psalm 82:2;
Isaiah 5:7).
Verse 15. -
He that justifieth - in a forensic sense, declares righteous, acquits -
the wicked, etc. Two forms of the perversion of justice are censured, viz. the acquittal of a guilty person and the condemnation of an innocent one (comp.
Proverbs 24:24;
Isaiah 5:23).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Acquittingמַצְדִּ֣יק(maṣ·dîq)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6663:To be just or righteousthe guiltyרָ֭שָׁע(rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personand condemningוּמַרְשִׁ֣יעַ(ū·mar·šî·a‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7561:To be, wrong, to disturb, violatethe righteous—צַדִּ֑יק(ṣad·dîq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteousbothשְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃(šə·nê·hem)Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)are detestableתּוֹעֲבַ֥ת(tō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8441:Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idolto the LORD.גַּם־(gam-)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:15 He who justifies the wicked and he (Prov. Pro Pr) 
