The Lord’s Displeasure: Proverbs 6:16-19

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)

16 There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Here is a strong section showing what God hates and calls an abomination. These are passages we should grasp as Christians and dwell on their relevance in our lives.

According to the passage, ‘There be six things, saith the LORD, which “I hate”: yes, seven which are “an abomination unto me”. It presents the sins mentioned in the verse with a degree of poetic license. Let’s take a closer look at each of these seven abominations:

1. Haughty eyes: The Lord hates proud and haughty people. He instructs us to accept our limitations and to realize that our good comes from God.
2. A lying tongue: God holds honesty and integrity in high esteem. He wishes that when we are going for something, we should be truthful rather than lying.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood: With regard to life, it is godly for life to be granted by God alone. This means we should preserve and respect human life.
4. A heart that devises wicked plans: The lord wants pure heart and mind. He desires us to have the same desires as His own will, and seek righteousness through everything.
5. Feet that make haste to run to evil: We are required by God to walk in the way of uprightness, and to shun unrighteousness. For he hates the wanton sinner.
6. A false witness who breathes out lies: God values truthfulness and integrity. He believes that we should testify truthfully and not lie or make false allegations.
7. One who stirs up conflict among brothers: Unity and harmony are what the Lord wants between His people. He hates factionists who divide and discord amongst believers.

One can, in this case, get sober after reflecting on such degrading experiences. This is something to remember as it makes us look within ourselves, repenting of our own sinful actions. It is also a constant memory that God is holy, and He wishes us to live rightfully.

While endeavoring to follow the will of the Almighty, it is vital to recognize that he is always ready to offer grace and forgive our sins. His grace is there for us when we falter.

Similarly, let’s be gracious in extending forgiveness towards one another as God has been with us. Let us therefore not tear apart but rather help build each other up in our faith.

May we always desire to be in line with the word of the Lord, being walking in His way? So we honor him and enjoy a richer life as he promised.