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Holy in Conduct

Proverbs 15:9 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
⁹The way of the wicked is detestable to Jehovah,
but he loves him who pursues righteousness.

The way of the wicked is detestable to Jehovah. Verse 15:8 is virtually the same, “the sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to Jehovah” The sacrifice is simply replaced with the way. The way of the wicked was referred to back in Proverbs 4:19, “the way of the wicked is like deep darkness” Here it is detestable to Jehovah or an abomination to Jehovah. Abomination; Detestable: (תּוֹעֵבָה toebah or תֹּעֵבָה toebah) It is a repulsion, abhorrence, that is, an object or person that is loathsome or repulsive. The sense of toebah is a detestable thing or person that causes horror and disgust in another person. (Dt 32:16; 2Ch 34:33; Jer 16:18; Eze 5:9; 7:20; 11:18, 21; 16:36) The way of the wicked is detestable to Jehovah because the wicked stumbles through the darkness of this satanic age having no clued even what is stumbling him. At times, and even much of the wicked one’s life might seem to be prosperous because of their unrighteous activities, but any seeming success is temporary. The wicked one has no understanding of the Word of God, as it is foolish to him. Therefore, he is not willing to accept it as truth and conform his life to it. So, the wicked one continues to stumble through life in his ignorance and erroneous thinking. In fact, they are so blinded by unrighteous desires they cannot recognize their ignorance and errors in thinking.

But he loves him who pursues righteousness. Him here is a reference to Jehovah from line 1. Love is contrasted with detestable. Pursues (רָדַף radaph) righteousness (צְדָקָה tsedaqah) is to carry out or participate in righteous activities. It is following, striving after, and devising, that is, trying to put forth considerable effort, intensity, and focus on behalf of one’s righteous standing before God. Righteous; upright; just: (צֶדֶק tsedeq) refers to one who is in a righteous standing before God who is characterized by righteous actions and morals in accordance with God’s moral standards. What does this mean? The person adheres to God’s standards, His moral code. He does what is required according to this moral standard. (Ps 7:9) He is honest, fair, and truthful in his actions, which are correct according to God’s standards. He is not deviant in any way (Lev. 19:36). He is able to make a moral judgment when deciding what is right and wrong without prejudice. – Gen. 18:23-24; Deut. 16:20; Prov. 3:33; Zeph. 2:3; James 3:18.