Not all disobedience carries the same weight. In Proverbs 6:16–19, we are ushered into a rare and fearsome corner of Scripture: a divine list of what God hates — culminating in what He calls an abomination. These aren’t momentary lapses. They are active, repeated violations of His character.
This isn’t just a moral checklist. It’s a mirror. A summons. A warning.
And yet… it’s also a chance to realign our hearts.
🎥 Watch the Cinematic Short:
“7 Sins God Hates | Proverbs 6:16–19”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/e2c0lojA0ww
🎨 Narration & Visual Commentary:
The video opens with a golden scroll unfurling before a great throne. One by one, each abomination is revealed:
- Haughty Eyes – A proud gaze cast downward over others
- Lying Tongue – Words wrapped in charm but born of deceit
- Hands that Shed Innocent Blood – The aftermath, not of war, but of betrayal
- A Heart that Devises Wicked Plans – Schemes drawn in candlelight, far from conscience
- Feet that Run to Evil – Not tripping, but racing toward sin
- A False Witness Who Breathes Out Lies – Crafting accusation with a smile
- One Who Sows Discord Among Brothers – Tearing apart what God desires united
Each visual was built to show the spiritual reality behind the sin—not just behavior, but betrayal.
🏛️ Theological Insight:
Solomon’s list begins with pride and ends with division. These aren’t random. They follow a progression:
- Pride gives birth to lies.
- Lies justify violence.
- Violence is born in a heart already scheming.
- The schemer rushes forward, unconcerned.
- Falsehoods are weaponized.
- Unity is shattered.
The result? A world unraveling at the seams.
But God sees it all. And He calls it what it is: an abomination.
🔮 Hebrew Word Study:
- “Hates” שׁׁנא (sane) – to utterly detest, to be an enemy to (Strong’s H8130)
- “Abomination” תֶּוֹעַבְה (toevah) – morally disgusting, abhorrent; often used for idolatry (Strong’s H8441)
This isn’t poetic hyperbole. These are covenant-level violations. The language used is the same as when describing pagan idol worship.
💭 Plain Insight & Life Application:
This passage reminds us that:
- Sin isn’t always loud. Some of the most devastating are whispered.
- God’s judgment isn’t just about crime—it’s about character.
- Sins of the heart, mouth, and attitude can be just as abominable as those of the hands.
Do I gossip? Do I minimize dishonesty? Do I enjoy conflict? Then I’m standing on sacred ground that God hates.
What the Seven Things God Hates in Proverbs Really Mean
What are the seven things God hates in Proverbs?
Proverbs 6:16–19 lists them plainly: prideful eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a scheming heart, feet that run to evil, a false witness, and one who sows discord among brothers. These aren’t isolated behaviors — they represent patterns of destructive, relational sin.
Why does God call them abominations?
Because they are not just wrong — they are offensive to His holiness. These sins reflect rebellion against God’s nature: truth, justice, unity, and love. The Hebrew word toevah denotes something detestable, morally corrupt, and covenant-breaking.
Are these sins still relevant today?
More than ever. In a world of gossip, division, slander, and spiritual apathy, each of these sins thrives under different disguises — especially online. God’s standard has not changed, and neither has the damage these sins cause.
What should Christians do with this passage?
Use it as a mirror — not a magnifying glass. Examine your own life. Ask the Spirit to reveal subtle pride, hidden schemes, or careless words that divide. Let this list drive you not to shame, but to repentance and transformation.
How can I avoid being a false witness?
Don’t speak on things you don’t truly know. Avoid gossip, assumptions, or even sarcasm that maligns others. Tell the truth, even when it’s costly. And never weaponize your words in personal conflict.
Why is sowing discord so serious?
Because God is a God of peace and unity — and division among brothers strikes at the heart of the Church. Discord spreads distrust, destroys community, and wounds Christ’s body. It’s not just a social issue — it’s a spiritual offense.
🌎 Why the Seven Things God Hates Still Matter Today
In an era of social media slander, virtue-signaling lies, and digital mobs, the false witness thrives.
In fractured churches, bitter families, and political echo chambers, the sower of discord reigns.
But God calls us higher.
Not just to avoid these sins—but to hate them as He does.
⚖️ Cross References:
- Proverbs 8:13 – “To fear the LORD is to hate evil”
- Isaiah 59:2–4 – A description of hands that shed blood, lips that speak lies
- Romans 1:28–32 – A list of sins God gives over to judgment
- Galatians 5:19–21 – Works of the flesh (many overlap with this list)
🔗 Internal Reading Suggestions:
- Proverbs 16:28 – A Whisper Separates Close Friends
- Proverbs 12:18 – Words Can Heal or Pierce
- Proverbs 10:19 – When to Hold Your Tongue
- Proverbs 4:23 – Guarding the Heart Against Schemes
🔹 Study Tools & Resources:
📖 Scripture Text & Translation
- Bible Gateway – Proverbs 6:16–19 (NIV)
Read the passage in the New International Version, complete with cross-references and footnotes.
👉 Read on Bible Gateway - Bible.com – Proverbs 6:16–19 (NKJV)
Explore this passage in the New King James Version, with options to compare translations and access related devotionals.
👉 Read on Bible.com
🧠 In-Depth Commentaries
- GotQuestions.org – What Are the Seven Things God Hates?
An accessible breakdown of each sin listed in Proverbs 6:16–19, emphasizing their relevance to heart motives.
👉 Read the article - TheBibleSays.com – Proverbs 6:16–19 Meaning
Discusses the literary structure of the passage and its implications on God’s view of wickedness.
👉 TheBibleSays.com - BibleRef.com – Proverbs 6:16 Explained
Provides context for the passage and connects it to broader biblical themes.
👉 Read the explanation
🎙️ Sermons & Devotional Reflections
- Dulins Grove Church – Wisdom and Things God Hates
A sermon that delves into each of the seven sins, offering practical applications for personal reflection.
👉 Read the sermon - Calvary Heights Baptist Church – Proverbs 6:16–19
Discusses the connection between the seven sins and the character of a “naughty person,” emphasizing the importance of aligning with God’s standards.
👉 Read the blog post
🎥 Video Study
- YouTube – 7 Things God HATES | Proverbs 6:16–19 Bible Study
A visual and auditory exploration of the passage, ideal for those who prefer learning through videos.
👉 Watch on YouTube
🕊️ Reflection & Call to Action:
Lord, show me which of these I’ve tolerated in myself.
Expose the abominations I’ve dressed up as personality.
Let me grieve what You grieve.
Take a moment to sit in the weight of this Scripture. Not in fear… but in reverence.
Then ask:
What does God want me to hate… in order to love more like Him?
🙏 Closing Prayer:
Father, expose the things You hate in me.
Purify my motives, my mouth, my movement.
Teach me to love truth, unity, and righteousness with holy fire.
Make me like Your Son, who never lied, never divided, and never schemed.
Amen.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Proverbs 6:16–19
📖 About the Passage
What are the seven abominations in Proverbs 6?
They are: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that rush to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Why does God say He hates these specific sins?
These sins reveal patterns of deep moral corruption and rebellion against God’s character. They are relationally destructive and spiritually defiling.
Is Proverbs 6:16–19 relevant for modern believers?
Yes. These sins are still present in modern forms—through social media slander, deceitful politics, gossip, and spiritual division. The passage serves as a timeless warning.
🙅 Sin and Character
Why is pride listed first in the seven things God hates?
Pride is the root of many sins. It blinds people to correction, fuels deceit, and often leads to the downfall of relationships and nations.
What does it mean to have a lying tongue biblically?
A lying tongue refers to someone who intentionally distorts the truth to deceive, harm, or manipulate others. In Scripture, lying is repeatedly condemned as satanic in nature.
How serious is sowing discord among brothers in God’s eyes?
It is described as an “abomination.” God places a high value on unity, especially among His people. Causing division is seen as a direct attack on the body of believers.
⚔️ Application and Spiritual Growth
How can I avoid being a false witness?
Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and refuse to repeat gossip or accusations without truth and love. Always aim for integrity, even when it’s inconvenient.
What should I do if I struggle with gossip or division?
Repent, confess, and pursue reconciliation. Practice silence where necessary, and ask God to change your heart to value peace and truth over personal satisfaction.
Can Christians fall into the sins listed in Proverbs 6?
Yes — even believers can slip into these patterns. The warning is for everyone, and sanctification requires constant humility, accountability, and prayer.
What does it look like to hate what God hates?
To hate sin is to reject it at its root — in thought, motive, and action. It’s not merely behavior management but aligning your heart with God’s righteousness and grief over evil.
