“There are six things that the LORD hates, seven are an abomination to Him.” So wrote King Solomon (Proverbs 6:16). These things are as follows: “haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, false witness who breathes out lies, one who sows discord among brothers” (Proverbs 6:17-19). Because of His holiness and righteousness, God must hate these things. As a result, christians have absolutely no right to practice or participate in them.
Haughty eyes are indicative of a proud person whose eyes reflect the arrogance and pride he harbors in his heart. This person has a superiority complex, seeing himself “a cut above” others, delighting in self-exaltation where his ego is in control. Pride led to the downfall of Lucifer who said, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14). A person with a proud heart is in rebellion against God. The Bible says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Also, “Those who walk in pride [God] will put down” (Daniel 4:27).
A lying tongue: People tell lies for different reasons. God hates a lying tongue, irrespective of the reason for lying. The Bible says, “Whoever speaks truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit,” and “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but they that deal truly are His delight” (Proverbs 12:18,22). Jesus is truth personified. He declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Lying breathes dishonesty and untrustworthiness.
Hands that shed innocent blood: God is Creator and sustainer of life. Therefore, He must hate hands that shed innocent blood. God makes it very clear that “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in His own image” (Genesis 9:6). So many today have little or no regard for human life. And this goes back to Biblical times when Saul was intent on killing David. The scripture says, “Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall” (1 Samuel 8:11).
A heart that devises wicked plans: A person in this category is one who harbors and plots wicked, hurtful, and spiteful schemes. Who also plans to do destructive things against people, places, and things. “As he thinks in his heart so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). It all starts with the heart, hence God declares, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds” (Jeremiah 18:9,10).
Feet that make haste to run to evil: This person is so intent on committing this sin, he or shell will not let anything to get in the way until this evil act is accomplished. It is not surprising God declares in His word, “The fear of the LORD is the hatred of evil … and the way of evil and perverted speech, I hate” (Proverbs 8 13). It is contemplated in the mind and then the feet are driven to carry it out as quickly as possible.
False witness who breathes out lies: This is a most serious matter. A false witness is a most destructive act by a person who deliberately tells and spreads lies about an innocent person. Such an act can adversely affect a person’s character and reputation. False witness is a violation of the ninth commandment that God gave Moses on Mount Sinai. It reads: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). Many have been ruined and also scarred for life because of a false witness.
One who sows discord among brothers: People with this mindset stir up trouble and cause divisions, especially in the church. The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians saying, “For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all but are busybodies. Now those who are such, we command and exhort, through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness, and eat their own bread … And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him that he may be ashamed” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-14). Paul also says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31).
Is there a remedy for all these sins. Yes, there is. It requires confession to God, seeking His forgiveness, and then cease to practice these sins. The Bible says, “Whoever conceals his transgression will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). God promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).