Proverbs 6:16–19 Explained: The Seven Things the Lord Hates According to the Bible
The Bible does not only tell us what God loves; it also tells us what God hates. In a world where the word “hate” is often avoided, softened, or redefined, Scripture speaks plainly. Proverbs 6:16–19 presents a sober and uncomfortable truth: there are behaviors, attitudes, and actions that the Lord not only dislikes but calls an abomination.
This passage is not written to unbelievers alone. It is written as wisdom for God’s people—those who claim to fear the Lord. To understand the seven things the Lord hates is to understand God’s holiness, His justice, and His desire for righteousness among His people.
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him.”
— Proverbs 6:16 (KJV)
This is not poetic exaggeration. It is moral revelation.
Understanding Proverbs 6:16–19 in Biblical Context
The book of Proverbs is part of biblical wisdom literature, written primarily by King Solomon under divine inspiration. Proverbs is not casual advice; it is God-given instruction for righteous living.
When Proverbs 6 lists the seven things the Lord hates, it does so with precision. Each item exposes a heart condition that contradicts God’s nature. The order is intentional, moving from inward attitudes to outward actions and finally to community destruction.
The phrase “an abomination unto him” signals something deeply offensive to God—not merely wrong, but morally repulsive in His sight.
Why the Bible Says the Lord Hates Certain Things
God’s hatred is not emotional instability or human bitterness. God hates what destroys truth, life, justice, and unity, because these things oppose His character.
“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
— 1 John 1:5
The seven things the Lord hates are not random sins. They are foundational sins that corrupt individuals, families, churches, and nations.
A Proud Look: The Sin of Exaltation Against God
“A proud look…”
— Proverbs 6:17
Pride is listed first for a reason. Pride was the sin that led to Satan’s fall and humanity’s rebellion.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
— Proverbs 16:18
A proud look represents an attitude of self-exaltation—placing oneself above God, above truth, and above others. Pride rejects dependence on God and replaces it with self-rule.
God hates pride because it denies His sovereignty.
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
— James 4:6
A Lying Tongue: The Destruction of Truth
“…a lying tongue…”
— Proverbs 6:17
Truth is central to God’s nature.
“God… cannot lie.”
— Titus 1:2
A lying tongue is not merely exaggeration or convenience; it is the deliberate distortion of truth. Lies destroy trust, justice, and relationships.
Jesus identified lies as the language of Satan.
“When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
— John 8:44
The seven things the Lord hates include lying because lies oppose the very nature of God.
Hands That Shed Innocent Blood: Violence Against God’s Image
“…hands that shed innocent blood…”
— Proverbs 6:17
Human life is sacred because humanity is made in the image of God.
“So God created man in his own image.”
— Genesis 1:27
The shedding of innocent blood includes murder, injustice, oppression, and any system that devalues human life. God’s hatred of this sin is seen throughout Scripture.
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.”
— Genesis 9:6
God is just, and He defends the innocent.
A Heart That Devises Wicked Imaginations
“An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations…”
— Proverbs 6:18
Sin begins in the heart before it manifests in action.
“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries…”
— Matthew 15:19
This sin speaks of intentional wicked planning—meditating on evil, strategizing harm, and nurturing sinful desires. God judges not only actions but intentions.
“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7
The seven things the Lord hates remind us that holiness starts within.
Feet That Be Swift in Running to Mischief
“Feet that be swift in running to mischief…”
— Proverbs 6:18
This describes eagerness toward wrongdoing. Not hesitation, not weakness—but enthusiasm for sin.
“Their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed innocent blood.”
— Isaiah 59:7
God hates this because it reflects a heart that delights in evil rather than righteousness.
“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
— Romans 12:9
A False Witness That Speaks Lies
“A false witness that speaketh lies…”
— Proverbs 6:19
This goes beyond general lying. A false witness corrupts justice, destroys reputations, and harms the innocent.
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
— Exodus 20:16
God established justice as a reflection of His righteousness. False testimony perverts justice and invites divine judgment.
He That Soweth Discord Among Brethren
“…and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
— Proverbs 6:19
This is the final and climactic sin listed—and one of the most dangerous.
Sowing discord fractures unity, divides churches, destroys fellowship, and undermines the testimony of Christ.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
— Psalm 133:1
God hates division among believers because it contradicts Christ’s prayer for unity.
“That they all may be one.”
— John 17:21
Why These Seven Things Matter for Believers Today
The seven things the Lord hates are not ancient moral relics. They reveal what God still opposes today.
- Pride still destroys humility
- Lies still corrupt truth
- Violence still defies God’s image
- Wicked hearts still plan evil
- Sin still spreads eagerly
- False witnesses still ruin justice
- Discord still divides believers
God’s standards do not change.
“For I am the LORD, I change not.”
— Malachi 3:6
The Gospel Response to the Seven Things the Lord Hates
The purpose of Proverbs 6:16–19 is not condemnation but correction. The Gospel offers transformation.
“Such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:11
Through Christ:
- Pride is replaced with humility
- Lies are replaced with truth
- Hatred is replaced with love
- Division is replaced with unity
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Conclusion: Walking in the Fear of the Lord
To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.”
— Proverbs 8:13
Understanding the seven things the Lord hates is not about judgment—it is about wisdom, holiness, and alignment with God’s truth.
The Bible does not soften truth to make it comfortable. It reveals truth to make us free.
Spreading the truth of the Gospel of Christ according to the Book of Truth — the Bible.