Seven Things God Hates | Proverbs 6
Welcome to Real Life. God hates these things. Do I?
God is not a hater. In fact, quite the opposite. The Scriptures declare: God is love. He is the author, the very source of love. Because love is his priority, God despises behaviors that oppose and destroy love. Seven are specifically named in the book of Proverbs. He identifies them to make us aware, because we are human and fallible and quick to justify our ugly behavior (especially in response to someone else’s ugly behavior). So, our heavenly Father spells it out clearly in Proverbs 6:16-19. These things, he says, I hate:
Haughty Eyes
“All men are created equal,”[1] states the US Declaration of Independence. The basis of this foundational truth is the Bible (Genesis 1:27, Colossians 3:11, Romans 2:11). The standards we use to measure worth—education, beauty, influence, financial status—are irrelevant to God. For what do you and I possess that we have not received from our Creator’s hand? Our very breath is his gift. When I begin to believe I’m better than you, it’s ugly in His sight. Lord, give us eyes of humility.
A Lying Tongue
Do I really need to own the mistake I made at work? I don’t know about you, but I am most tempted to lie when the truth makes me look bad. Where is the harm, after all, in a little white lie? The harm is that little white lies grow. They become habitual. Eventually, people will be unsure whether or not they can trust our words. But more importantly, our Father God embodies the truth. Satan, on the other hand, is the father of lies. The nature of our words reflects our true father. Lord, give us the courage to be people of integrity who speak the truth. May our words prove we are indeed your children.
“Conflict is inevitable,
but combat is optional.”
–Max Lucado
God is not a hater. In fact, quite the opposite. The Scriptures declare: God is love. He is the author, the very source of love. Because love is his priority, God despises behaviors that oppose and destroy love. Seven are specifically named in the book of Proverbs. He identifies them to make us aware, because we are human and fallible and quick to justify our ugly behavior (especially in response to someone else’s ugly behavior). So, our heavenly Father spells it out clearly in Proverbs 6:16-19. These things, he says, I hate:
Haughty Eyes
“All men are created equal,”[1] states the US Declaration of Independence. The basis of this foundational truth is the Bible (Genesis 1:27, Colossians 3:11, Romans 2:11). The standards we use to measure worth—education, beauty, influence, financial status—are irrelevant to God. For what do you and I possess that we have not received from our Creator’s hand? Our very breath is his gift. When I begin to believe I’m better than you, it’s ugly in His sight. Lord, give us eyes of humility.
A Lying Tongue
Do I really need to own the mistake I made at work? I don’t know about you, but I am most tempted to lie when the truth makes me look bad. Where is the harm, after all, in a little white lie? The harm is that little white lies grow. They become habitual. Eventually, people will be unsure whether or not they can trust our words. But more importantly, our Father God embodies the truth. Satan, on the other hand, is the father of lies. The nature of our words reflects our true father. Lord, give us the courage to be people of integrity who speak the truth. May our words prove we are indeed your children.
Hands that Shed Innocent Blood
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the nation has suffered almost 50,000 civilian casualties.[2] From the time abortion was legalized in 1973, 67 million innocents have lost their lives.[3] (If you have suffered an abortion, forgiveness and healing are available.[4]) In the United States, almost 18,000 people were murdered with guns in 2023. Innocent blood is shed daily. You and I cannot save everyone. But we can pray. We can vote. We can act as peacemakers in our sphere of influence. Lord, show us one tangible way we can protect innocent lives.
Hearts that Devise Wicked Schemes
I am amazed at the ingenuity of scammers. If only they would employ their skills towards something beneficial, who knows? They might actually solve world hunger. When I have been wronged (or scammed), do I devise schemes of revenge? It’s only fair, right? God, however, clearly declares, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” We need not worry. No one is getting away with anything. In his time, our God will right every wrong. Lord, help us trust you to fight our battles, champion our causes, and right our wrongs!
Feet Quick to Rush into Evil
Am I drawn to a good fight? What types of movies or books or video games do I find enjoyable? Do I find it hard to ignore juicy gossip? Lord, give me feet that rush into good things.
A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies
While serving on jury duty, each side convinced me they were telling the truth. Obviously, someone was lying. Have I slanted the truth to tarnish the reputation of an enemy? Lord, help me give a honest report.
A Person Who Stirs Up Conflict in a Community
Someone from my church emailed me seeking support in a conflict over a disputable issue. God hates it when we begin choosing sides and splintering congregations, or homes, or work places. Am I vocal about my pet peeves? Am I so easily offended that others avoid me because they never know what will set me off? Lord, employ me as your peacemaker, not a troublemaker.
These sins are committed within the context of community. Our God is relational. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit co-exist in unity and love. You and I have been created to live in community and co-exist in unity and love, as well. As followers of Jesus Christ, he said our defining characteristic should be love:
Dear Father God, help us love what you love (especially people),
and hate what you hate (sins against people)
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Image of Fingers Crossed: https://pixabay.com/. Public domain.
[1] https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration
[2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1293492/ukraine-war-casualties/?srsltid=AfmBOophApAVk1M9AsGva_tU1EZA1Pwvy2vyPcgG-50iuc1YatRAt1SA
[3] http://www.numberofabortions.com/
[4] https://elifenetwork.com/outreaches/bridges-of-hope/
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the nation has suffered almost 50,000 civilian casualties.[2] From the time abortion was legalized in 1973, 67 million innocents have lost their lives.[3] (If you have suffered an abortion, forgiveness and healing are available.[4]) In the United States, almost 18,000 people were murdered with guns in 2023. Innocent blood is shed daily. You and I cannot save everyone. But we can pray. We can vote. We can act as peacemakers in our sphere of influence. Lord, show us one tangible way we can protect innocent lives.
Hearts that Devise Wicked Schemes
I am amazed at the ingenuity of scammers. If only they would employ their skills towards something beneficial, who knows? They might actually solve world hunger. When I have been wronged (or scammed), do I devise schemes of revenge? It’s only fair, right? God, however, clearly declares, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” We need not worry. No one is getting away with anything. In his time, our God will right every wrong. Lord, help us trust you to fight our battles, champion our causes, and right our wrongs!
Feet Quick to Rush into Evil
Am I drawn to a good fight? What types of movies or books or video games do I find enjoyable? Do I find it hard to ignore juicy gossip? Lord, give me feet that rush into good things.
A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies
While serving on jury duty, each side convinced me they were telling the truth. Obviously, someone was lying. Have I slanted the truth to tarnish the reputation of an enemy? Lord, help me give a honest report.
A Person Who Stirs Up Conflict in a Community
Someone from my church emailed me seeking support in a conflict over a disputable issue. God hates it when we begin choosing sides and splintering congregations, or homes, or work places. Am I vocal about my pet peeves? Am I so easily offended that others avoid me because they never know what will set me off? Lord, employ me as your peacemaker, not a troublemaker.
These sins are committed within the context of community. Our God is relational. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit co-exist in unity and love. You and I have been created to live in community and co-exist in unity and love, as well. As followers of Jesus Christ, he said our defining characteristic should be love:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.”
(John 13:35 emphasis mine)
God is not a hater. Am I?
Dear Father God, help us love what you love (especially people),
and hate what you hate (sins against people)
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
(Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV)
Take it further... Read Unoffendable by Brant Hansen.
[1] https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration
[2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1293492/ukraine-war-casualties/?srsltid=AfmBOophApAVk1M9AsGva_tU1EZA1Pwvy2vyPcgG-50iuc1YatRAt1SA
[3] http://www.numberofabortions.com/
[4] https://elifenetwork.com/outreaches/bridges-of-hope/
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