Proverbs 6:1-19
“These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him.” (Proverbs 6:16, NKJV)
Some things are good to hate. When something harms us or someone we love, then we ought to hate it. I hate cancer because it destroys the health of good people. I hate sin because it destroys the spiritual lives of people who once served God. The bottom line is that we should love what God loves and hate what God hates.
Here we see that there are seven things that God hates. (Actually, He hates more than seven, but Solomon is using a poetic device.) This list is arranged so that the worst sin is named last.
-Haughty eyes. (A proud look.) God hates pride. He resists the proud and brings them down from their exalted position. Because we all have a constant enemy of pride, we must be careful that we don’t look down on others or think that we are better than them.
-A lying tongue. People who lie or mislead others work such mischief! God is a God of truth; the devil is the father of lies.
-Hands that shed innocent blood. Violence and murder were found in the first family, and they have continued in humanity ever since. Few things arouse a spirit of vengeance like innocent bloodshed.
-A heart that devises wicked plans. Think of all the wicked plans that were devised to carry out the September 11th attack against the United States or the October 7th attack against Israel.
-Feet that run to evil. We ought to flee evil, but some people live to engage in any kind of evil activity.
-A false witness that breathes out lies. Haven’t we covered this one already? Lying is mentioned twice—probably because it is so reprehensible in the sight of God.
-One who sows discord among brothers. Solomon saves the worst for last. It is the same thing that he said of the worthless person in verse 14: he sows discord. Gossip is incredibly destructive and yet it often goes unchecked in the church, and none of us are without sin. May God help us to deal with one another directly and not go underground in treachery.
Let us purpose in our hearts not to defile ourselves with these “abominations” but instead pursue righteousness and integrity. Let us aim to love one another deeply from the heart.