haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The list begins with "haughty eyes," emphasizing that pride isn't just an internal feeling, but something that actively shows itself outward, influencing how we see and interact with the world. This outward expression of pride is presented as the root from which other destructive sins, like lying and violence, grow.
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs that describes the kind of person who is a terrible neighbor and a generally wicked individual. The preceding verses have detailed the deceitful speech and actions of such a person, and this verse continues the list of detestable traits. The context emphasizes that these are things God utterly hates, culminating in a warning that sudden destruction will come upon those who refuse to be corrected.
Pride is often seen as just a personal flaw, but the Bible calls it something far more serious. Discover why 'haughty eyes' is the first thing God hates.
Proverbs 6:17 kicks off a list of things the Lord detests, and it starts with 'haughty eyes.' This isn't just about looking down on others; it's a deep-seated arrogance that believes it doesn't need God.
The Root of Rebellion
Think of pride as the original sin. It's the attitude that says, 'I am enough,' or even, 'I am like God.' This self-sufficiency makes us blind to our own weakness and God's strength. Without acknowledging our need for Him, we can't truly grow in holiness or lean on His power.
Opposite of Grace
God's grace is meant for the humble. When we're full of pride, we're closed off to receiving His help and transformation. We can't progress in our faith journey if we think we've already arrived.
Beyond internal attitudes, this verse points to actions that shatter lives and violate God's heart. What do these 'fruits' tell us about sin?
The list in Proverbs 6 moves from the inner attitude of pride to outward actions: 'a lying tongue' and 'hands that shed innocent blood.' These are not minor issues; they are destructive forces that tear apart the fabric of human life and deeply offend God.
The Deceitful Word
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A 'lying tongue' goes beyond simple inaccuracy. It's about intentional deception, using words to harm others' reputations, manipulate situations, or lead people astray. Because God is the God of truth, falsehood is fundamentally opposed to His nature.
The Devastating Act
'Hands that shed innocent blood' represents the ultimate violation – murder. It's the destruction of God's image in another person and an act of extreme cruelty. Whether motivated by malice or a cold disregard for life, this sin cries out for justice.
Connected Evils
Notice how these outward sins often stem from the inner pride mentioned first. Arrogance can lead to devaluing others (making them easier to lie to or harm), and a disregard for truth fuels destructive actions.
Understand the original words
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
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.
This passage echoes Proverbs' warning against pride, urging believers to 'clothe yourselves with humility' because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Psalm 131:1This psalm beautifully contrasts with 'haughty eyes,' as the psalmist declares, 'O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not humbled.'
James 4:6This New Testament passage directly connects God's opposition to the proud and His favor towards the humble, reinforcing the severe spiritual implication of a 'proud look' mentioned in Proverbs.
Revelation 21:8This verse lists those excluded from the New Jerusalem, including 'liars,' directly correlating with the 'lying tongue' that God detests.
Genesis 4:8-10The narrative of Cain and Abel crying out from the ground after Abel's murder serves as a foundational example of God's awareness and judgment concerning the shedding of innocent blood.
ellicottProverbs 6:17: "A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,"
(17) A proud look.— Hateful to God, because rendering men unfit to receive grace. Till they acknowledge their weakness, they will not seek for His strength, and without it they can make no progress in holiness. (Comp. 1Peter 5:5 , and Christ’s commendation of the “poor in spirit,” Matthew 5:3 .)
cambridgeProverbs 6:17: "A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,"
17 . A proud look ] Rather, haughty eyes, A.V. margin, R.V. text. Thus the enumeration in the Heb. of the parts of the body: ‘eyes,’ ‘tongue,’ ‘hands,’ ‘heart,’ ‘feet’ is preserved.
The list begins with "haughty eyes," emphasizing that pride isn't just an internal feeling, but something that actively shows itself outward, influencing how we see and interact with the world. This outward expression of pride is presented as the root from which other destructive sins, like lying and violence, grow.
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs that describes the kind of person who is a terrible neighbor and a generally wicked individual. The preceding verses have detailed the deceitful speech and actions of such a person, and this verse continues the list of detestable traits. The context emphasizes that these are things God utterly hates, culminating in a warning that sudden destruction will come upon those who refuse to be corrected.
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs that describes the kind of person who is a terrible neighbor and a generally wicked individual. The preceding verses have detailed the deceitful speech and actions of such a person, and this verse continues the list of detestable traits. The context emphasizes that these are things God utterly hates, culminating in a warning that sudden destruction will come upon those who refuse to be corrected.
"haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood," — The list begins with "haughty eyes," emphasizing that pride isn't just an internal feeling, but something that actively shows itself outward, influencing how we see and interact with the world. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026