Proverb 6: 16 – 19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who declares lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.
Did you know that our Lord hates some things? We know Him to be love and preach Him that way, but there are things which he detests.
Our God is very passionate. I think we often paint Him as somber and stoic, but I do not believe that is an accurate representation. He loves and He hates, just as we do. The difference, though, is that He does not hate people. He hates behaviors. He can love the person whose “feet run rapidly to evil” even while He despises their actions. That is an interesting phenomenon, one that might give us comfort even as it challenges us to love as He does.
Take a look again at the things which move God to hate and perhaps put some other words in place. For haughty eyes you might think arrogance or self-importance; a lying tongue, well that one is simple. He hates lying in all its forms and doesn’t seem to see different colors or sizes of lies; not even little or white. For hands that shed innocent blood is it a reference to murder or might it extend to manslaughter?
I will let you do the rest for yourself but take note of two things. First, lying is in this list twice. That is quite a statement. Second, have a look at the strife issue. Apparently, God hates when people stir up strife.
I find this pretty eye opening but again, I hope you will read the entire proverb. There is much more in this proverb as with them all. Maybe look at Proverb 6 in its entirety (link below) and chose which verse or passage you would have chosen, and maybe highlight it in your Bible. Then when you see those Proverbs later, those particular verses will take you right back to this Journey through the Proverbs.
Proverb 6:
https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverb+6&version=NASB
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