16:5

This verse is closely connected with the themes of “the wicked” and the “day of disaster” in 16:4b. The first line mentions the proud as a specific group of wicked people. The second line emphasizes their certain punishment.

5a Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD;

5b be assured that he will not go unpunished.

16:5a

Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as proud in heart is literally “high of heart.” It describes the arrogance of people who consider themselves to be higher/greater than God and/or their fellowmen. For detestable, see the note on 11:1a.

16:5b

be assured that he will not go unpunished: This line is almost identical to 11:21a (see the note on 11:21a–b). As in 11:21a, the double negative probably emphasizes the opposite meaning. For example:

They will surely be punished. (New Century Version)

The implied person who punishes them is the LORD. In some languages, this information may need to be supplied. For example, the Good News Translation (referring back to the LORD) has:

he will never let them escape punishment

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