There are six things the Lord hates – no, seven things he detests . . . . (Proverbs 6:16 (NLT))

Did you know there are things that God hates? Well, there are. And in just one passage, the Bible gives us a list of seven of them.

The word detests means something disgusting or abhorrent. The New King James Version uses the word abomination. That’s pretty strong language. I know I don’t want to do something that God thinks is disgusting or abhorrent. And I’m guessing that you don’t either.

So, let’s take a few minutes to learn about seven of the things that God hates.

“A proud look” (Proverbs 6:17 (NKJV))

The first thing on the list in Proverbs 6 is a “proud look.” The word proud means “to exalt oneself, magnify oneself.” I like how the New Living Translation (NLT) says “haughty eyes.” It’s the opposite of humility.

We’ve all seen others with this kind of look. In the 80s we’d say they were “stuck up.” (Yes, I’m old.) It’s not a pretty look. It’s a look that says, “I’m better than you.” In essence, they have exalted their wants above what God wants for them.

Be careful. It’s easy to see this sin in someone else and not in ourselves. Ask God to reveal if you’ve had a proud look recently. If He reveals something to you, repent from it and ask Him for His help to change.

“A lying tongue” (Proverbs 6:17 (NKJV))

This one is pretty self-explanatory. A lying tongue speaks lies and deceives others with words.

And there is no small or little, white lie. Any untruth is a lie no matter how insignificant you think it is. God doesn’t like it so we shouldn’t do it. It’s that simple.

“Hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:17 (NKJV))

I’ll keep this one brief. I think most already agree with God that it’s abhorrent when someone kills an innocent person. Murder is something we should hate. Taking someone’s life without cause is wrong.

“A heart that devises wicked plans” (Proverbs 6:18 (NKJV))

The fourth thing that God detests is when a person devises wicked plans or as the NLT puts it, “plots evil.” When you first read this, you might have thought, I don’t devise wicked plans. I’m good on this one.

But the Hebrew word for wicked means trouble, things that are unjust or unrighteous. So, if you’re planning on doing something contrary to God’s will – that is, intentionally thinking about what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it – it’s unrighteous. And it’s something that God hates.

For example, if you’re planning on partying this weekend (which means getting drunk) or sleeping with your boyfriend, those are things God has said we shouldn’t do (see Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:18). Examine yourself and make sure you haven’t been devising wicked plans.

“Feet that are swift in running to evil” (Proverbs 6:18 (NKJV))

Are you quick to join in when friends ask you to do something you know God doesn’t want you to do? The NLT phrases it as “feet that race to do wrong.” Be careful that you’re not giving in for fear of missing out. Prioritize God so you don’t have feet that move quickly into sin.

“A false witness who speaks lies” (Proverbs 6:19 (NKJV))

This one is similar to number two, but it’s more specific. Being a false witness who speaks lies means someone who gives false testimony about someone else. God hates it when we don’t tell the truth about what someone said or did.

“And one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:19 (NKJV))

Finally, God hates it when someone brings division into a family – and that includes His family. If you’re trying to get your point of view heard to bring people to your side, you’re causing division.

Instead of being divisive, we should seek unity among our brothers and sisters in Christ. As the psalmist declared, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 (NKJV)).

If God hates these things, we should too. Examine your heart and make sure that none of them are a part of your life. If God reveals anything to you, turn from it and ask Him for forgiveness. Then put God first and decide to do things His way.

And remember, God hates these behaviors, but He loves you. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins (John 3:16). In response to His love, let’s avoid doing the things He hates as we walk by faith with Him.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash