Six Things that God Hates
Proverbs 6:16-19 (King James Version)
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
The Bible, particularly the book of Proverbs, offers profound wisdom and guidance for living a life that is pleasing to God. In Proverbs 6:16-19, we find a list of six things that the Lord hates, which are described as abominations. These verses serve as a moral compass, highlighting behaviors and attitudes that are detestable to God. Let’s delve deeper into each of these six things to understand why they are so grievous and how we can avoid them in our lives.
1. A Proud Look
Pride is often considered the root of many other sins. A proud look signifies arrogance and a sense of superiority over others. This attitude is detestable to God because it goes against the humility that He desires in His followers. Pride can lead to a lack of empathy, a refusal to acknowledge one’s own faults, and a tendency to belittle others. To combat pride, we must cultivate humility, recognizing that all we have and all we are comes from God.
Scripture Reference:
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” - Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.” - Surah Al-Furqan (25:63)
2. A Lying Tongue
Honesty is a fundamental principle in the Christian faith. A lying tongue represents deceit and falsehood, which can destroy trust and relationships. God values truth because He is the embodiment of truth. Lies can cause harm, spread misinformation, and lead to a breakdown in community and fellowship. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak the truth in love and to be trustworthy in our words and actions.
Scripture Reference:
“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.” - Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)
“And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].” - Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42)
3. Hands that Shed Innocent Blood
The sanctity of life is a core tenet of the Bible. Hands that shed innocent blood refer to acts of violence and murder. Taking an innocent life is a grave sin that goes against God’s commandment to love one another. It is a direct attack on the image of God in which every human being is created. To uphold the value of life, we must promote peace, justice, and compassion in our interactions with others.
Scripture Reference:
“Thou shalt not kill.” - Exodus 20:13 (KJV)
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” - Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32)
4. A Heart that Devises Wicked Imaginations
Our thoughts and intentions are just as important as our actions. A heart that devises wicked imaginations is one that harbors evil plans and malicious intentions. This kind of heart is far from God and is inclined towards sin. To guard our hearts, we must fill our minds with what is pure, noble, and praiseworthy. Regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking God’s guidance can help us maintain a heart that aligns with His will.
Scripture Reference:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” - Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV)
“And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.” - Surah Qaf (50:16)
5. Feet that Be Swift in Running to Mischief
This phrase describes a tendency to rush into sinful behavior without hesitation. It reflects a lack of self-control and a propensity for engaging in harmful activities. God desires that we exercise self-discipline and avoid situations that lead us into temptation. By being mindful of our actions and seeking to do good, we can resist the urge to participate in mischief and instead pursue righteousness.
Scripture Reference:
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)
“And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive.” - Surah Ash-Shura (42:37)
6. A False Witness that Speaketh Lies
Bearing false witness is a serious offense because it involves lying about others, often leading to unjust consequences. It can ruin reputations, cause division, and perpetuate injustice. God calls us to be people of integrity, who uphold the truth and stand against falsehood. By being honest and fair in our dealings, we reflect God’s character and contribute to a just and harmonious society.
Scripture Reference:
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” - Exodus 20:16 (KJV)
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.” - Surah An-Nisa (4:135)
7. He that Soweth Discord Among Brethren
Sowing discord refers to creating conflict and division among people, particularly within the community of believers. This behavior is particularly harmful because it undermines the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ. God desires that we live in harmony, supporting and encouraging one another. To prevent discord, we must practice forgiveness, seek reconciliation, and promote peace within our communities.
Scripture Reference:
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” - Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” - Surah Al-Imran (3:103)
In conclusion, Proverbs 6:16-19 provides a clear warning against behaviors and attitudes that are detestable to God. By understanding and avoiding these six things, we can live in a way that honors God and fosters healthy, loving relationships with others. Let us strive to embody humility, honesty, peace, purity, self-control, integrity, and unity in our daily lives, reflecting the character of Christ in all that we do.
In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.
St. Mykul’s prayer:
“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”
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