DETESTABLE THINGS TO GOD

Seven Detestable Things

Read Proverbs 6:12-15

(Prov 6:16-19 NIV)  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 man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

1. haughty eyes (or proud look)
2. a lying tongue
3. hands that shed innocent blood
4. a heart that devises wicked schemes (or plans or imaginations)
5. feet that are quick to rush into evil or mischief
6. a false witness who pours (or breathes or speaks) out lies
7. a man who stirs up (or sows) dissension (or discord) among brothers

I can’t find any opinion about the six versus seven. Apparently it’s not important. But it is a common Hebrew literary device. Personally I feel the seventh or last is the one that is different since it specifically mentions the man.

Some of the things God hates are mentioned in …

   (Prov 8:13 NIV)  To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

   (Deu 12:31 KJV)  Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

   (Deu 16:22 KJV)  Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth.

   (Psa 45:7 KJV)  Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

   (Mal 2:16 RSV)  "For I hate divorce, says the LORD the God of Israel, and covering one's garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So take heed to yourselves and do not be faithless."

In other words it is safe to say God hates all manner of evil, wickedness, or sin. The list here in Proverbs is simply illustrative of many things that God hates. And I think it is safe to say that what God hates we should probably hate also. Most certainly those things should not be a part of our own life. Let’s take a closer look. And let’s see if we can see ourselves in there someplace.

1. Haughty eyes (or proud look)

   Scornfully and condescendingly proud.

   In love with self.

   Arrogant.

   Disdainful of others.

   Disrespectful.

   Overestimating ones worth.

   Lacking humility.

   Swaggering attitude.

2. A lying tongue

   Deception.

   Conning.

   False witness (See number 6)

   Deceitful (Ties to number 1)

   Trickery.

   Shiftiness

   Double-dealing.

   Double talk.

3. Hands that shed innocent blood

   Murder.

   Inappropriate hate.

   Recklessness.

4. A heart that devises wicked schemes (or plans or imaginations)

   Evil intent.

   Lack of love.

   Uncaring.

5. Feet that are quick to rush into evil or mischief

   Impulsive.

   Unthinking.

   Insensitive.

   Rash.

   Hotheaded.

   Hasty.

6. A false witness who pours (or breathes or speaks) out lies

   Compare to number 2 only more focused.

7. A man who stirs up (or sows) dissension (or discord) among brothers

   Gossip

   Innuendo

   Unfavorable comparisons

   Casting doubt

   Encouraging envy

So without much effort we can see the need for the commandments of God as a force for good and for peace. The Ten Commandments and also the Great Commandment and its corollary cover all that was mentioned today.

   (Rom 13:9-10 NIV)  The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." {10} Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

   (Mat 22:36-40 NIV)  "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" {37} Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' {38} This is the first and greatest commandment. {39} And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' {40} All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."