15:26

The New Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line for 15:26b because it follows the recommended interpretation. Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

26a
The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked,

26b but gracious words are pure.

In the New Revised Standard Version, the parallel parts form a chiasm. That is, the parts in 15:26b occur in the opposite order from the parallel parts in 15:26a. In Hebrew, there is no chiasm.

If a chiasm is not natural in your language, you may need to reorder the parts in one of the lines. For example, 15:26a could be reordered as follows:

26a
Evil thoughts are an abomination to the Lord (Revised English Bible)

This verse contrasts evil thoughts with gracious words. Evil thoughts are detestable to the LORD. Gracious words are “pure” in the sense that they are not mixed with anything evil. The contrast with the first line implies that they are acceptable to the LORD.

15:26a

The LORD detests: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “abomination of the LORD.” It refers to anything that the LORD considers to be detestable, abhorrent, or disgusting. See the note on “an abomination to the LORD” at 11:1a.

the thoughts of the wicked: This phrase may refer to:

thoughts of evil people (God’s Word)
-or-
evil plans (New Revised Standard Version)

These meanings are very similar. Both are acceptable. The word thoughts probably refers here to plans or schemes. It is implied that these are plans to harm or deceive someone else. Another way to translate this line is:

Wicked scheming is abhorrent to Yahweh (New Jerusalem Bible)

15:26b

(New Revised Standard Version) but gracious words are pure: The Hebrew text is literally “but pure ⌊are⌋ the words of pleasantness/kindness.” According to standard rules of Hebrew grammar, this means: “but pleasant/kind words are pure.” English versions interpret this line in three ways:

(1) Pleasant/gracious or kind words are pure. For example:

but pleasant words are pure (New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) Pure words/thoughts are pleasing ⌊to the LORD⌋ . For example:

but the words of the pure are pleasing (Revised English Bible)

(3) Kind/friendly words are pleasing to the LORD. For example:

but kind words please him (Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with almost all scholars. This interpretation is the most straightforward way to understand the Hebrew clause. If the implications of the word pure are taken into consideration, it also forms a good contrast with 15:26a. (See the note on pure below).

(New Revised Standard Version) gracious words: The phrase that the New Revised Standard Version translates as gracious words probably refers here to words that help others and express kindness or friendliness.

(New Revised Standard Version) pure: The word that the New Revised Standard Version translates as pure often refers to gold that has no impurities. It is also used frequently to describe people who are ceremonially “clean” or “clean” animals that are acceptable to the LORD as sacrifices. In the context of kind, gracious words, it indicates that these words are not mixed/tainted with anything evil or unkind. It also implies that these words are pure ⌊to the LORD⌋ . Therefore they are ⌊acceptable or pleasing in the LORD’s sight⌋ . For example:

but pleasant words are pure to him (God’s Word)
-or-
but gracious words are pure in his sight (New International Version (2011))

Consider whether this implied information is needed to clarify the contrast with 15:26a.

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