Proverbs 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 make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The structure here uses a common ancient literary device, a numerical proverb, to emphasize that God hates at least six things, and a seventh, which is sowing discord, is particularly abhorrent to His very soul. This isn't about ranking sins, but about highlighting how deeply offensive actions that disrupt unity and relationships are to the God who calls us His own family.
This passage isn't a standalone thought but a direct continuation of the warning against the lazy, deceitful, and destructive person described in the preceding verses. Solomon uses a distinctive "six, even seven" numerical proverb to powerfully list specific actions and attitudes that are not just distasteful, but utterly detestable to God, highlighting their connection to the character of the wicked individual.
Ever felt like a list of 'don'ts' from God just doesn't make sense? This verse unpacks why God highlights certain sins.
When Proverbs says God 'hates' six things and they are an 'abomination' to Him (v. 16), it's not just a tally of bad behavior. The Hebrew words used here convey a deep disgust and revulsion. God doesn't hate these things because He's moody; He hates them because they fundamentally disrupt the wholeness and well-being He intends for us and for His creation.
Think of it like this: God's heart is for connection, truth, and life. These specific sins are highlighted because they are direct assaults on those very things. They tear down relationships, twist reality, and destroy trust. The use of two numbers – six and seven – emphasizes the completeness and severity of these actions. It's a way of saying, 'These aren't minor slip-ups; these are deeply offensive to the very core of who I am and what I desire.'
The list of things God hates includes specific actions that tear people apart. Why are broken relationships so offensive to God?
Proverbs 6:16-19 gives us a glimpse into the specific actions that deeply offend God. While the full list is detailed in the verses that follow, the introduction in verse 16 sets the stage. Commentaries point out that the final item on the list—sowing discord among brothers—is often seen as the culmination, the 'seventh' that makes the transgression complete.
This isn't just about avoiding arguments; it's about the active destruction of unity and love within community. God's design is for us to live in harmony, reflecting His own nature. Sowing discord poisons relationships, creating division where there should be connection and peace. It’s an 'abomination' because it directly opposes the very foundation of God's kingdom: love for one another.
Understand the original words
sane · Hebrew Verb
A term expressing God's intense displeasure and rejection of things that are contrary to His holy nature and moral law. It signifies a profound moral abhorrence.
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
Something that is morally detestable, repugnant, or utterly offensive to God, often associated with idolatry or gross sin. It denotes an object or action that is essentially incompatible with God's holiness.
rum 'ayin · Hebrew Noun phrase
A metaphor for pride, arrogance, or looking down on others. It describes the internal state of a person who exalts themselves above God and their neighbor.
lashon sheqer · Hebrew Noun phrase
This passage speaks to God's perfect justice and righteousness, highlighting that He hates not only wicked deeds but also the wicked person. It complements Proverbs' list by showing the broader implications of God's hatred for sin.
Jeremiah 17:10This verse parallels the idea of God examining the heart and its deepest intents, aligning with Proverbs' mention of a heart that devises wicked plans. It emphasizes God's intimate knowledge of our inward thoughts and motivations.
Micah 6:8This verse provides a beautiful contrast to the list of abominations in Proverbs by outlining what God *does* delight in: justice, mercy, and humility. It shows the positive actions and character that are pleasing to God, standing in opposition to the sins listed.
Matthew 5:21-22Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, showing that even anger and insults towards a brother are grounds for judgment, similar to how Proverbs lists specific sins that lead to destruction. It highlights the seriousness of relational sins.
1 John 3:15This verse directly connects hatred of one's brother with murder, reinforcing the seriousness of sowing discord and the destruction it brings. It shows how internal hatred can manifest in actions that deeply offend God.
bensonProverbs 6:16: "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:"
Proverbs 6:16-19 . These six things — Generally found in those men of Belial, described in the foregoing verses; doth the Lord hate — Namely, above many other sins, which have a worse name in the world; a proud look — Pride of heart, which commonly discovers itself by a man’s looks and gestures; a lying tongue — Lying and deceit in his common conversation. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations — Wh…
pulpitProverbs 6:16: "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:"
Verse 16. - The whole structure and arrangement of the thoughts which occur in vers. 16-19 clearly show that this is not an independent section, but one closely allied to that which has just preceded. The object is to show that those evil qualities of deceit and malice which are disastrous to man are equally odious in the sight of Jehovah, and consequently within the scope of the Divine displeasure. Th…
The structure here uses a common ancient literary device, a numerical proverb, to emphasize that God hates at least six things, and a seventh, which is sowing discord, is particularly abhorrent to His very soul. This isn't about ranking sins, but about highlighting how deeply offensive actions that disrupt unity and relationships are to the God who calls us His own family.
This passage isn't a standalone thought but a direct continuation of the warning against the lazy, deceitful, and destructive person described in the preceding verses. Solomon uses a distinctive "six, even seven" numerical proverb to powerfully list specific actions and attitudes that are not just distasteful, but utterly detestable to God, highlighting their connection to the character of the wicked individual.
This passage isn't a standalone thought but a direct continuation of the warning against the lazy, deceitful, and destructive person described in the preceding verses. Solomon uses a distinctive "six, even seven" numerical proverb to powerfully list specific actions and attitudes that are not just distasteful, but utterly detestable to God, highlighting their connection to the character of the wicked individual.
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Speech that is untruthful or deceitful, reflecting a heart that does not honor the truth of God. It is frequently condemned as a violation of the commandment against bearing false witness.
dam naqi · Hebrew Noun phrase
The intentional taking of human life in a way that violates God's law. It reflects a total disregard for the sanctity of life created in the image of God.
leb · Hebrew Noun
The seat of the intellect, will, and emotions in biblical anthropology. A heart that plots evil demonstrates a mind and will corrupted by sinful intent.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
Actions characterized by moral badness, depravity, or harmful intent. It stands in direct opposition to God's standard of righteousness.
'ed sheqer · Hebrew Noun phrase
A person who provides false testimony, subverting justice and damaging the reputation or life of another. It reflects a character of habitual deceit.
madon · Hebrew Noun
The act of causing division, strife, or contention, particularly within the covenant community or family. It is viewed as an active destruction of the unity that God desires among His people.
"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 make haste to run to evi…" — The structure here uses a common ancient literary device, a numerical proverb, to emphasize that God hates at least six things, and a seventh, which is sowing discord, is particularly abhorrent to…
