If you were to make a list of sins or wicked behavior that you found particularly offensive, what would be on your list? I can think of several that would make the top five for me. In our Scripture passage today from the Book of Proverbs, we find just such a list. You might be surprised at what you find, and what you don’t find, on this list that is in God’s Word.
As our passage begins, we have a list compiled of seven things that we read that God hates, which He finds as an abomination and abhorrent in His eyes (vs. 16). An abomination refers to anything that God finds personally disgusting. Something that is abominable to God offends His character, and He takes particular exception to it.
Let’s look at this list, beginning with the first one listed - a proud look (vs. 17). The Lord hates pride, when we place ourselves above others, in a position of superiority, and when we look down on others. It was the sin of pride that brought Satan down. He once was a high-ranking angel in heaven, but became filled with pride, and desired to sit on the throne of God (Isaiah 14:13-14). A person filled with pride, who looks down on others, cannot truly love other people, which is what the Lord commands us to do (John 13:34; I John 3:23).
The second thing listed that God hates is a lying tongue (vs. 17). There are different types of lies. We all know about bold-faced lies. However, half truths and exaggerations are also lies. Misrepresentation is a lie. We can also include flattery, insincerity, false promises and empty commitments. There are some people who have made lying such a habit that they only tell the truth if it will suit their advantage. Because God is Truth, lying is the opposite of His character. It is, though, in character with Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44).
The third one listed in the passage from Proverbs is hands that shed innocent blood (vs. 17). God created human life, and we bear His image. God values mankind so much that He sent His Son to redeem us. Murder is an affront to the Giver of life. We hear in news reports all the time of innocent people being killed through all sorts of acts of violence, and this is something God hates and will judge. Most reading this have probably not actually murdered someone, but Jesus said if we hold unrighteous anger against someone, we are in equal judgment (Matthew 5:21-22). That anger can develop into hatred, which can lead to actual murder.
Next on the list is a heart that devises wicked plans (vs. 18). Nothing we do or say occurs unless it first takes root in the heart. Wicked plans take shape in the heart. Our heart should be a place for relationship with God, a place of worship. Our heart should be where we talk with God, not where we plan evil against others (Psalm 139:23-24).
Moving right along, we read of feet that are swift in running to evil (vs. 18). This is speaking of walking in familiar paths of sin, of committing habitual sin. This is when we become increasingly brazen, and less fearful of God’s judgment. A person who is swift in running to evil has become callous, and his conscience is seared. He no longer feels the pricking of conviction for the sins he is committing, and his heart is closed to the Holy Spirit. God hates it when people have turned so far away from Him.
The sixth item on this list is a false witness who speaks lies (vs. 19). This is someone who misrepresents facts or tells outright lies about another, especially, but not exclusively in court or public. This would also include staying silent when one could rightfully defend the person who is being wrongly lied about. These types of lies have caused innocent people’s reputations to be destroyed, and have sometimes caused them to go to prison or even execution. Satan loves to drive Christians apart, and when we lie about others, we join with him.
The last on this list of what God hates is one who sows discord among brethren (vs. 19). I’m sure we’ve all known some people in churches who just love to stir up strife. They seem to love it when two people or two groups are set at odds against each other. The more drama for them, the better. God hates to see strife and discord in His house, among His children. Are we reinforcing a division between others, or do we encourage reconciliation? Are we encouraging others to take sides in disagreements, or do we help to bring people together?
This is not a list that we should ever want to be included in. Let’s make sure that we don’t do anything to get close to any of these behaviors that God hates and finds an abomination.
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