S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The seven things God hates are a catalog of sins summed up in Proverbs 6:16-19. While these aren't the only sins that should be avoided, they do sum up most of the wicked things condemned by God. T...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Bruce Lyon Supporter Elder: Restoration Fellowship Assembly

Proverbs 6:16-18: 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.

December 08 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What are the seven things God hates?

Read Proverbs 6: 16-19 ESV.

"There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; 18 A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren."

The Bible, particularly Proverbs 6:16-19, lists seven things God hates as detestable: haughty eyes (pride), a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift to run to evil, a false witness, and one who stirs up conflict or discord. These represent deep-seated attitudes and actions that go against God's nature, focusing on inner motives like pride, deceit, violence, and division. 

The phrasing, "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination," is a Hebrew literary device that emphasises the finality and completeness of the list, particularly the seventh item. Final deadly sin — wrath. Wrath can be defined as uncontrolled feelings of anger, rage, and even hatred.

Proverbs 6:16-19: 

1: Haughty eyes: Pride, arrogance, looking down on others.

2: A lying tongue: Deceit, dishonesty.

3: Hands that shed innocent blood: Violence, murder.

4: A heart that devises wicked plans: Malicious intentions and scheming.

5: Feet that are swift to run to evil: Eagerness to do wrong.

6: A false witness who pours out lies: Bearing false testimony, spreading falsehoods.

7: One who stirs up conflict in the community: Causing strife and division among people.

According to the King James Version, Proverbs 6:​16 says: "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him." However, the list of sins in Proverbs 6:17-19 is not meant to be all-inclusive. Instead, it describes basic categories that represent all types of wrongful acts, including those in thought, word, and deed.

Proverbs 6:16 contains an example of a Hebrew idiom that emphasises the second number by contrasting it with the first. This form of expression appears often in the Scriptures.​—Job 5:​19; Proverbs 30:15, 18, 21.

The seven categories that the proverb mentions are basic and cover virtually all types of wrongs. "Lofty eyes" and "a heart fabricating hurtful schemes" are sins committed in thought. "A false tongue" and "a false witness that launches forth lies" are sinful words. "Hands that are shedding innocent blood" and "feet that are in a hurry to run to badness" are wicked deeds. And especially hateful to Jehovah is the type of individual who takes keen delight in kindling strife among people who otherwise would dwell together peacefully. The increase from six to seven suggests that the list is not intended to be complete, since humans continue to multiply their evil deeds.

We need to develop a loathing for what God hates. For instance, we must shun "lofty eyes" or any other display of pride. And harmful gossip is undoubtedly to be avoided, for it can easily cause "contentions among brothers." By spreading unkind hearsay, unjustifiable criticism, or lies, we may not be "shedding innocent blood," but we surely can destroy another person's good reputation.

If we keep busy in godly works and seek to bless others spiritually, we will be loyal friends, not disloyal talebearers. (Proverbs 17:17) And if we avoid damaging gossip, we will have the best Friend of all​—Jehovah God. Remember that seven things detestable to him are "lofty eyes, a false tongue, and hands that are shedding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness, a false witness that launches forth lies, and anyone sending forth contentions among brothers." (Proverbs 6:16-19)

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