The Bible provides clear guidance on what pleases and displeases God. One of the most direct passages about what the Lord hates is found in Proverbs 6:16-19, where seven specific sins are listed. These sins are not only acts of disobedience but also behaviors that disrupt relationships, destroy integrity, and oppose God’s nature.
Understanding these 7 things God hates is essential for Christians who desire to live in righteousness and avoid what is detestable in His sight. In this article, we will explore each of these sins in detail, their impact on our lives, and how we can avoid them.
What Does It Mean That God Hates Certain Things?
Before we look at the seven things the Lord hates, it is important to understand what “hate” means in this context. The word “hate” in the Bible does not refer to an emotional outburst or uncontrolled anger, as humans often experience. Instead, it expresses God’s holy opposition to evil.
Since God is perfectly just and holy, He cannot tolerate sin. His hatred of these sins is not personal but reflects His righteous judgment against what is wicked and destructive.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV) states:
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Let’s examine each of these sins and understand why God detests them.
1. A Proud Look
Pride is the first thing mentioned in Proverbs 6:16-19, and for good reason. A “proud look” refers to arrogance, self-exaltation, and an attitude of superiority over others.
Why Does God Hate Pride?
Pride leads people away from God. It makes them believe they do not need Him.
It causes division and strife among people.
It blinds individuals to their own faults and sinfulness.
Biblical Warning Against Pride:
Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
James 4:6 – “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
How to Avoid Pride
Practice humility by recognizing your dependence on God.
Give credit to God for your blessings and successes.
Treat others with respect, knowing that all people are created in God’s image.
2. A Lying Tongue
Lying is another sin that God hates. A “lying tongue” refers to deceit, dishonesty, and falsehood.
Why Does God Hate Lying?
It destroys trust and relationships.
It misleads and harms others.
It is contrary to God’s nature—God is truth (John 14:6).
Biblical Warning Against Lying:
Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
Colossians 3:9 – “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.”
How to Avoid Lying
Speak truthfully, even when it is difficult.
Confess dishonesty and seek forgiveness.
Ask God for help in maintaining integrity.
3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood
This phrase refers to murder, violence, and harming those who are innocent. It includes not only physical harm but also any action that leads to injustice or oppression.
Why Does God Hate This?
God values human life because He created mankind in His image.
Taking innocent life is an act of ultimate cruelty.
It represents the deepest level of sin and rebellion against God’s commandments.
Biblical Warning Against Violence:
Genesis 9:6 – “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Exodus 20:13 – “Thou shalt not kill.”
How to Avoid Violence and Hatred
Choose forgiveness over revenge.
Advocate for justice and protect the innocent.
Pray for those who struggle with anger or aggression.
4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Imaginations
This refers to a heart that constantly plans or thinks about evil. It includes plotting harm, indulging in sinful thoughts, and having a mindset bent on wickedness.
Why Does God Hate This?
Sin begins in the heart before it becomes action.
Wicked thoughts lead to destruction and rebellion against God.
God desires purity of heart and holiness.
Biblical Warning Against Evil Thoughts:
Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
Matthew 15:19 – “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”
How to Avoid Wicked Thoughts
Fill your mind with God’s Word (Philippians 4:8).
Pray for a clean heart and pure thoughts (Psalm 51:10).
Avoid influences that encourage sin.
5. Feet That Be Swift in Running to Mischief
This refers to a person who eagerly pursues sin. Instead of resisting temptation, they rush into wrongdoing.
Why Does God Hate This?
It shows a heart that delights in sin.
It spreads evil and encourages others to sin.
It leads to destruction and separation from God.
Biblical Warning Against Rushing into Sin:
Isaiah 59:7 – “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood.”
Romans 6:13 – “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin.”
How to Avoid This Sin
Choose to flee from temptation rather than run toward it.
Surround yourself with godly influences.
Seek accountability from mature Christians.
6. A False Witness That Speaketh Lies
While lying was already mentioned, this specifically refers to giving false testimony. It includes lying in court, falsely accusing someone, or spreading false information.
Why Does God Hate This?
It can destroy reputations and lives.
It perverts justice.
It is directly against God’s commandment.
Biblical Warning Against False Witnessing:
Exodus 20:16 – “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
Proverbs 19:5 – “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”
How to Avoid This Sin
Always tell the truth, even when it is difficult.
Refuse to gossip or spread rumors.
Stand for justice and honesty.
7. He That Soweth Discord Among Brethren
This refers to those who stir up division, conflict, and strife. It includes gossip, slander, and causing unnecessary disputes.
Why Does God Hate This?
Unity among believers is important to God.
It damages relationships and weakens the church.
It opposes the spirit of love and reconciliation.
Biblical Warning Against Division:
Romans 16:17 – “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
1 Corinthians 1:10 – “That ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you.”
How to Promote Unity
Speak words that build up rather than tear down.
Be quick to forgive and slow to anger.
Encourage peace and reconciliation.
Conclusion
The seven things that the Lord hates in Proverbs 6:16-19 serve as a powerful warning to believers. They reveal what is detestable in God’s eyes and remind us of the importance of righteousness, truth, and love.
By avoiding these sins and striving to live according to God’s Word, we can honor Him and walk in His blessings. May we seek to reflect His holiness in our daily lives and reject all that He finds abominable.
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