Proverbs 17:15

13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD.
KJV
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
WEB
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
ASV
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
DARBY
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, even they both are abomination to Jehovah.
BLB
One justifying the wicked, and condemning the just—even the two of them [are] an abomination to YHWH.
ÅB
Den som frikjenner en ugudelig, og den som domfeller en rettferdig, de er begge to en styggedom for Herren.
OTB
Å rettferdiggjøre den onde og fordømme den rettferdige er begge avskyelige for Herren.
B1930
Den som frikjenner en ugudelig, og den som domfeller en rettferdig, de er begge to en vederstyggelighet for Herren.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Exodus 23:7

    Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 5:23

    Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 18:5

    It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 24:23–24

    These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

    Read in context
  • Amos 6:12

    Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 15:8

    The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 55:8–9

    For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

    Read in context
  • Amos 5:12

    For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.

    Read in context