Understanding the nature of God is foundational to the Christian faith, and one of the ways this understanding is developed is through the study of His likes and dislikes as revealed in Scripture. One of the most explicit passages that lists the things God detests is found in the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV) states:
"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."
This passage is often referred to as the "Seven Deadly Sins" of the Old Testament, though it is distinct from the more commonly known list of deadly sins in Christian tradition. Each of these detestable acts provides insight into God's character and His expectations for human behavior.
Haughty Eyes
The first thing listed is "haughty eyes," which symbolizes pride and arrogance. Throughout the Bible, pride is consistently condemned. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." This indicates that pride is not just a personal failing but a precursor to broader ruin. God detests pride because it elevates the self above others and, more importantly, above God. It disrupts the humility and reverence that are essential for a proper relationship with the Divine.
A Lying Tongue
The second detestable act is a "lying tongue." Honesty is a fundamental attribute in the Bible, and God’s nature is described as one of truth. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life." Lying, therefore, is antithetical to God's nature. It breaks trust, sows discord, and leads to a myriad of other sins. The importance of truthfulness is underscored in Ephesians 4:25, which advises believers to "put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor."
Hands That Shed Innocent Blood
"Hands that shed innocent blood" refers to acts of violence and murder. The sanctity of life is a core principle in the Bible, beginning with the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). Taking innocent life is a grievous sin because it destroys the image of God in another person (Genesis 1:27). This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus expands the commandment against murder to include anger and hatred (Matthew 5:21-22).
A Heart That Devises Wicked Schemes
The fourth item is "a heart that devises wicked schemes." This speaks to premeditated sin and the intentional planning of evil. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the human heart as "deceitful above all things and beyond cure," highlighting the natural propensity for wickedness. God detests such scheming because it reflects a deep-seated corruption that opposes His will and purposes. It is not just the actions themselves but the deliberate intention behind them that God finds abhorrent.
Feet That Are Quick to Rush Into Evil
"Feet that are quick to rush into evil" indicates a readiness and eagerness to engage in wrongdoing. This can be seen as a form of spiritual recklessness and moral irresponsibility. Isaiah 59:7 says, "Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways." Such behavior is condemned because it reflects a lack of self-control and a disregard for God's commandments.
A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies
The sixth detestable act is being "a false witness who pours out lies." This is closely related to the earlier mention of a lying tongue, but it specifically involves bearing false testimony, which can have severe consequences for justice and community harmony. The Ninth Commandment explicitly states, "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). False witness undermines the judicial process and can lead to the unjust suffering of innocent people.
A Person Who Stirs Up Conflict in the Community
Finally, "a person who stirs up conflict in the community" is detestable to God because it disrupts peace and unity, which are highly valued in Christian teaching. Jesus emphasized the importance of peacemaking in the Beatitudes, saying, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Paul also urged believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). Those who incite conflict are acting in direct opposition to these teachings.
In understanding why God detests these seven things, we gain insight into His character and His desires for human behavior. Each of these acts undermines the values of truth, justice, love, and community that are central to God's kingdom. They reflect a heart that is turned away from God and towards self-centeredness and wickedness.
Moreover, these verses serve as a moral compass for believers, guiding them away from behaviors that are destructive both to themselves and to their communities. They are a call to cultivate virtues that are pleasing to God: humility, honesty, respect for life, purity of heart, moral restraint, truthfulness, and peacemaking.
The New Testament reinforces these principles, emphasizing the transformation of the heart and mind through the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These qualities stand in stark contrast to the detestable acts listed in Proverbs and represent the character of a life aligned with God's will.
In conclusion, Proverbs 6:16-19 provides a clear and sobering list of behaviors that God detests. These verses not only highlight the moral and ethical standards expected of believers but also offer a profound glimpse into the nature of God Himself. By avoiding these detestable actions and striving to embody the virtues that God cherishes, believers can cultivate a life that is pleasing to God and reflective of His kingdom values.
