Bible Q&A
What Are the Seven Things God Hates in Proverbs 6?
Proverbs 6 gives one of the clearest lists in Scripture of attitudes and actions that are deeply offensive to the Lord. These seven things reveal how seriously God views pride, dishonesty, violence, wicked intentions, evil actions, false witness, and division among people.
Short Answer
The seven things God hates in Proverbs 6 are: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
Key Scripture
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Proverbs 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Proverbs 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Full Explanation
In Proverbs 6:16–19, Scripture gives a direct and serious list of things the Lord hates. These are not random sins. They reveal patterns of the heart, speech, and behavior that oppose God’s holiness, truth, justice, and love for unity.
The word “abomination” shows that these things are deeply offensive to God. They are not small personality flaws or harmless habits. They reveal a person moving against the character and wisdom of God.
The Seven Things God Hates
1. A Proud Look
Pride places self above God and others. A proud look reflects arrogance, superiority, and a heart that resists humility. Scripture repeatedly warns that pride leads to destruction because it refuses correction and dependence on the Lord.
2. A Lying Tongue
God is a God of truth, so lying is directly opposed to His character. A lying tongue damages trust, misleads others, hides sin, and creates confusion. Truthfulness is a mark of wisdom and godly character.
3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood
This refers to violence against the innocent. Human life is valuable because people are made in the image of God. God hates the destruction of innocent life and calls His people to value justice, mercy, and righteousness.
4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Imaginations
Sin often begins before it becomes visible. This describes a heart that plans evil, imagines wickedness, and intentionally creates harm. God looks not only at actions but also at motives, thoughts, and intentions.
5. Feet That Are Swift in Running to Mischief
This describes eagerness to do wrong. Instead of resisting sin, this person moves quickly toward it. Wisdom teaches us to flee evil, not chase it. The direction of our feet often reveals the condition of our heart.
6. A False Witness That Speaks Lies
A false witness uses lies to harm another person. This is especially serious because it can damage reputations, relationships, justice, and community trust. God hates false witness because it weaponizes words against others.
7. He That Soweth Discord Among Brethren
God values unity among His people. Sowing discord means creating division, stirring conflict, spreading suspicion, or damaging relationships. This is serious because it tears apart what God desires to be whole.
Why This Matters
This passage teaches that God cares deeply about the heart, the mouth, the hands, the feet, and relationships. The list moves through the whole person: what we desire, what we say, what we do, where we go, and how we treat others.
For believers, Proverbs 6 is not only a warning against evil. It is also an invitation to examine our lives and pursue humility, truth, justice, purity, self-control, and unity.
Practical Application
- Ask God to reveal pride before it grows into resistance or arrogance.
- Commit to speaking truth even when lying would feel easier.
- Value and protect life, justice, and mercy.
- Guard your thoughts before they become plans or actions.
- Refuse to run toward situations you know will lead to sin.
- Do not use words to harm, accuse falsely, or manipulate others.
- Be a peacemaker instead of someone who spreads conflict.
Key Takeaway
The seven things God hates in Proverbs 6 all reveal a life moving against His wisdom and character. God calls His people away from pride, lies, violence, wicked plans, eagerness for evil, false witness, and division. Wisdom teaches us to walk in humility, truth, righteousness, self-control, and peace.
Related Study
Study Proverbs Chapter 6
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