Unpacking God's "Hate List": A Reflection on Proverbs 6:16-19
Hey everyone! You know, when we talk about God, often the first thing that comes to mind is love. And rightly so! The Bible is absolutely brimming with messages about God's incredible love, grace, and mercy. But sometimes, in our focus on the beautiful, warm, fuzzy aspects of God's character, we might shy away from another, equally important, side: His intense holiness and His absolute intolerance for evil. It's like, we love the cuddly lion, but sometimes forget he's still a lion, you know?
That's where a passage like Proverbs 6:16-19 comes in, and frankly, it always hits me right between the eyes. If you've ever heard a Proverbs 6:16-19 sermon, you know it's one of those sections of Scripture that doesn't pull any punches. It's a list, plain and simple, of things God specifically says He hates. Not dislikes, not finds a bit annoying, but hates. Six, actually, and yes, seven are an abomination to Him. Let's dig into what that means for us today, because it's not just an ancient list; it's a mirror for our own hearts and actions.
A Glimpse into God's Heart: Why "Hate"?
Now, I get it. The idea of God "hating" anything can be a bit uncomfortable. We're taught that hate is a negative emotion, something we should avoid. But we need to understand God's "hate" isn't like our often petty, emotional, or vindictive human hate. God's hatred isn't rooted in malice or personal slight; it's rooted in His perfect holiness and justice. He hates evil because it actively works against everything good, pure, and life-giving that He stands for.
Think of it this way: a doctor doesn't "hate" a disease out of personal offense, but because it destroys the body. God hates sin because it destroys His creation, His children, and the beautiful relationships He intends for us. It separates us from Him and from each other. So, when we read this list, it's not about God being grumpy or easily offended; it's about Him calling out the very things that corrupt and ruin life. It's a warning, a guide, and an invitation to live differently.
The Seven Deadly Disconnects
The passage states: "There are six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him." Let's break down these seven, one by one, and think about what they mean in our everyday lives.
1. Haughty Eyes (Pride)
This one kicks us off, and it's a biggie. "Haughty eyes" speaks of arrogance, superiority, and looking down on others. It's that feeling of "I'm better than you," or "I know more than you." We've all been there, right? Whether it's subtly judging someone's clothes, their job, or their opinions, pride subtly sneaks in. God hates it because it's the antithesis of humility, which is essential for connecting with Him and with fellow humans. Pride builds walls; humility builds bridges. It elevates self above all else, including God.
2. A Lying Tongue (Deception)
Straightforward, isn't it? God is truth, and lies are fundamentally opposed to His nature. A lying tongue doesn't just mislead; it destroys trust, undermines relationships, and creates chaos. Think about the harm caused by gossip, slander, or even those "little white lies" that snowball. Lies break down the very fabric of society and personal connection. If we can't trust what someone says, where do we stand? It's a fundamental betrayal.
3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood (Violence/Murder)
This is perhaps the most obvious and chilling one on the list. The taking of innocent life is a direct assault on God's image in humanity. Every human life is sacred, fearfully and wonderfully made by Him. While this primarily refers to physical murder, we can also consider ways we might "shed innocent blood" metaphorically – through cruel words that crush a spirit, through injustice that diminishes someone's life, or through apathy to suffering. It's about disregarding the sanctity and value of another person's existence.
4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Schemes (Malice/Evil Intent)
This goes beyond just doing a bad thing; it's about planning to do it. It's the premeditation, the malicious intent festering in one's heart. A heart that is actively planning harm, deceit, or destruction is far from God's loving and life-giving character. It's the opposite of a heart that seeks peace and justice. It reveals a deep-seated antagonism toward goodness and a desire to see others suffer or fail.
5. Feet That Are Swift in Running to Mischief (Eagerness for Evil)
You know those people who seem to just love drama, gossip, or stirring up trouble? That's what this points to. It's not just falling into sin by accident; it's actively and eagerly pursuing opportunities to do wrong, to cause harm, or to participate in destructive activities. Instead of running towards righteousness, these feet are quick to embrace mischief. It speaks to a heart that finds satisfaction or thrill in chaos and wrongdoing.
6. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies (Perjury/Slander)
This is a specific type of lying, often with severe consequences. A false witness destroys reputations, undermines justice, and can ruin lives. In ancient contexts, this could lead to someone being wrongly condemned or punished. Today, it still encompasses perjury in court, but also extends to publicly spreading lies and misinformation about someone, leading to their social or professional demise. It's a particularly venomous form of deception because it directly targets and harms another person's standing and truth.
7. One Who Sows Discord Among Brothers (Division)
And finally, the cherry on top, the one that completes the seven. God detests those who actively stir up trouble, cause arguments, and foster division, especially within families, communities, or the church. God desires unity, peace, and love among His people. Someone who intentionally sows discord is working against the very heart of God's desire for harmonious relationships. They thrive on conflict and aim to tear apart what God wants to bind together.
Why Does This Matter to Us Today?
So, why go through this seemingly harsh list? Because it's not meant to condemn us, but to guide us. This Proverbs 6:16-19 sermon in short form isn't just a historical snapshot; it's a timeless ethical and spiritual compass. It calls us to introspection. Which of these seven things might be subtly manifesting in my life?
It reminds us that our faith isn't just about what we believe, but about how we live. These aren't just "big" sins; they often start small, in our thoughts and attitudes, before manifesting in actions. Pride, a critical tongue, a heart that holds grudges, an eagerness to gossip – these are daily battles.
But here's the good news: recognizing these things is the first step towards change. God hates the sin, but He loves the sinner. He offers grace and power to transform our hearts, to help us turn away from these destructive patterns and instead cultivate humility, truthfulness, compassion, integrity, and peacemaking. It's a journey, for sure, but we don't walk it alone.
Conclusion
So, the next time you reflect on God's character, remember the full picture. Yes, He is love, mercy, and grace beyond measure. But He is also perfectly holy, righteous, and just. His "hate list" in Proverbs 6:16-19 isn't there to scare us, but to show us the path to a life that truly honors Him and fosters genuine flourishing for ourselves and others.
It's an invitation to examine our own hearts and minds, to ask for His help in rooting out these "abominations," and to strive to live lives that reflect the opposite virtues. Let's aim to have humble eyes, truthful tongues, helpful hands, pure hearts, feet swift to do good, honest witness, and a spirit that builds up rather than tears down. That, my friends, is a life well-lived in God's eyes.