What the Lord Hates: A Call to Holiness from Proverbs 6

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 6:16–19

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

Introduction: The Weight of God’s Hatred Toward Sin

When Solomon penned these words, he gave us an unflinching look at the heart of God. Scripture tells us plainly: there are things the Lord does not merely dislike, but hates. In a world where sin is excused, minimized, glamorized, and justified, God does not soften His language. He calls sin what it truly is: an “abomination”.

What men casually label as “mistakes” or “faults,” God identifies as rebellion against His holy character. With intense disgust, He declares His hatred for sin, not because He is cruel, but because He is perfectly holy. His holiness is what makes Him beautiful, glorious, and set apart from all false gods (Psalm 29:2; 1 Samuel 2:2). Even the heavens are not pure in His sight (Job 15:15).

Why does Solomon highlight these seven sins? Because they strike at the very foundation of wisdom and destroy fellowship with God. They are sins that tear apart communities, poison relationships, and leave a person vulnerable to destruction. Solomon wanted his son—and us—to know that these are not “light” matters. These sins are deadly.

We cannot afford to treat lightly what God treats with holy hatred. If we love the Lord, we must also learn to hate sin (Psalm 97:10). This is where the fear of the Lord begins. With this foundation laid, let us carefully consider each of the seven sins God hates.

A Proud Look

Pride is listed first because it is often the root of every other sin. A “proud look” describes arrogance, self-exaltation, and an attitude that lifts oneself above others and even above God. Pride was the sin of Satan when he fell from heaven (Isaiah 14:12–15). It was the sin that led Eve to desire the forbidden fruit, thinking she could be “like God” (Genesis 3:5).

God hates pride because it refuses to acknowledge His authority. It is the spirit of independence that says, “I don’t need God.” Scripture declares, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). Pride sets a man on a collision course with divine judgment, for “pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

Pride blinds us to our need for mercy, shuts our ears to correction, and poisons our relationships. It was pride that fueled Pharaoh’s hard heart against God’s commands. It was pride that made Nebuchadnezzar boast in his own kingdom before God struck him with madness (Daniel 4:30–33).

The only cure for pride is humility before the cross of Christ. When we see the Son of God—perfect, sinless, and full of glory—humbling Himself to death on a cross for us (Philippians 2:8), we cannot cling to pride. The gospel destroys self-exaltation, reminding us that apart from Christ, we are nothing, and all we have comes from Him.

A Lying Tongue

The second sin God hates is a lying tongue. Lies twist truth, deceive others, and reflect the character of Satan, who is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). God, by contrast, is a God of truth; it is impossible for Him to lie (Titus 1:2).

Why does God hate lying so deeply? Because lies destroy trust, corrupt justice, and harm communities. A single lie can ruin reputations, shatter families, and lead others into destruction. Consider how the serpent’s lie in Eden led the entire human race into sin and death (Genesis 3:1–6).

Scripture repeatedly warns about lying lips: “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22). The final judgment is equally severe: “all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone” (Revelation 21:8).

Christians are called to be people of truth because our Savior is the Truth (John 14:6). To follow Him means to love honesty, even when it costs us. In a world full of half-truths, exaggerations, and deceit, God’s people must shine as lights of integrity.

Hands That Shed Innocent Blood

From Cain’s murder of Abel (Genesis 4:8) to the ongoing violence in our world today, the shedding of innocent blood has stained human history. God declares His hatred for murder because it attacks His image in man (Genesis 9:6). Life is sacred because it comes from God, and to take life unjustly is to rise up against the Creator Himself.

The Lord especially condemns the shedding of innocent blood—whether it be through murder, abortion, or acts of violence against the defenseless. Such acts cry out for justice before the throne of God (Genesis 4:10).

Jesus broadened this command by teaching that hatred in the heart and anger in words are the seeds of murder (Matthew 5:21–22). God does not only see the outward act; He searches the heart.

The cross of Christ is again the answer, for Jesus shed His own innocent blood so that guilty sinners might be forgiven (1 Peter 1:19). Where human hands have taken life, only His pierced hands can restore life and hope.

A Heart That Devises Wicked Imaginations

Sin begins in the heart long before it shows up in actions. God hates a heart that plots evil schemes, that takes pleasure in imagining sin, and that devises plans to harm others.

In Noah’s day, the Lord judged the earth because “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Evil thoughts, when cherished, eventually bear evil fruit. As Proverbs says, “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

Jesus Himself taught that sinful actions flow from the heart: “out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19).

The Christian must guard his thought life. Paul commands us to think on things that are true, honest, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). Renewing the mind through God’s Word is essential if we are to please Him (Romans 12:2).

Feet That Are Swift in Running to Mischief

The picture here is of eagerness to sin—a readiness to pursue evil without hesitation. Instead of resisting temptation, these feet rush toward it. Instead of pausing to consider God’s ways, they sprint after trouble.

This was the path of the prodigal son, who ran into a far country to waste his substance in riotous living (Luke 15:13). It is also the way of the fool described in Proverbs, who despises wisdom and quickly joins evil company.

God hates this eagerness for mischief because it shows a love for sin and a disregard for righteousness. It reveals a heart that treasures evil more than good. By contrast, the righteous are called to “flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22) and to “run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Our feet must be guided by the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). Instead of running to sin, we must run to Christ and run to do good.

A False Witness That Speaks Lies

Closely related to lying, a false witness specifically refers to lying in a way that harms another person—especially in legal or judicial settings. God hates this because it perverts justice, oppresses the innocent, and destroys lives.

False witnesses accused Naboth so that Ahab could steal his vineyard (1 Kings 21:13). False witnesses rose against Stephen, leading to his martyrdom (Acts 6:13). Above all, false witnesses conspired against Jesus Christ Himself, condemning the Righteous One to death (Matthew 26:59–60).

The ninth commandment warns us: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16). Justice depends on truth, and when truth is abandoned, society collapses into corruption.

God’s people must be known for honesty, fairness, and faithfulness to truth, even when under pressure. A Christian’s word should be so reliable that no oath is necessary (Matthew 5:37).

He That Sows Discord Among Brethren

The final sin in this list is sowing discord—deliberately stirring up strife, division, and conflict among God’s people. This is especially grievous because it attacks the unity Christ purchased with His blood.

God loves His people to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1). Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, even as He and the Father are one (John 17:21). To sow discord is to work against Christ’s prayer and against the Spirit’s work of unity.

Scripture warns strongly against divisive people: “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). The Lord calls such behavior an abomination because it tears apart His body, the church.

Instead of discord, Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), to forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32), and to bear with one another in love (Colossians 3:13–14).

Application to Prison Life

For those behind prison walls, these seven sins speak with urgent relevance. Pride can destroy fragile relationships in close quarters. Lies can spread like wildfire in confined spaces, leading to mistrust and retaliation. Violence—whether physical or verbal—is a constant temptation. Evil thoughts, if not surrendered to Christ, can fuel anger, bitterness, and plots for revenge.

Feet quick to mischief can drag a man into gangs, fights, and foolish decisions. False witness can endanger lives and reputations. And sowing discord can disrupt entire cell blocks and rob peace from all.

Prisoners especially understand the consequences of sin. Many are living testimonies of how pride, lies, violence, and poor choices bring destruction. Yet the good news is that Christ can redeem even the worst sinner. Paul, who once shed innocent blood as a persecutor of the church, became a preacher of the gospel. Moses, who killed a man in anger, became the great leader of Israel.

God’s hatred of sin does not mean He has given up on sinners. It means He takes sin seriously. In Christ, even those imprisoned by sin—or in a literal prison—can find forgiveness, cleansing, and a new life of holiness.

Final Thought

When we read that the Lord hates these seven sins, we must pause and take them to heart. These are not random examples. They reveal the very character of God and the seriousness of sin.

Our culture often minimizes sin. Violence is glorified in entertainment. Lying is excused as “just business.” Pride is celebrated as self-confidence. Discord is packaged as free expression. But heaven sees differently. God’s Word unmasks sin for what it truly is—an abomination.

The weight of sin is seen most clearly at the cross. If you ever doubt how much God hates sin, look at Calvary. There, the sinless Son of God was forsaken by His Father, bearing the wrath we deserved (Matthew 27:46). Sin was so serious that only the blood of Christ could cover it. And yet, the cross also displays the depth of God’s love. While God hates sin, He loves to save sinners.

This means there is hope—even for those who have lived in pride, told lies, committed violence, or stirred up strife. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, there is forgiveness. The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). What God hates, He can remove from our hearts.

The call, then, is not simply to avoid these seven sins outwardly, but to let God transform us inwardly. Pride is replaced by humility. Lies are replaced by truth. Violence is replaced by love. Wicked thoughts are replaced by holy meditations. Mischief is replaced by a pursuit of good works. False witness is replaced by faithful testimony. Discord is replaced by unity and peace.

As believers, we must reorder our values to match God’s. We must hate what He hates and love what He loves. We must teach our children, our families, and even our fellow prisoners that sin is destructive, but Christ is greater.

The final thought is this: God’s hatred of sin is not meant to drive us into despair but to drive us to Christ. Outside of Him, we stand condemned. But in Him, we are forgiven, transformed, and made new. We must never grow comfortable with sin. Instead, let us love righteousness and pursue holiness with all our hearts.

Let us be people who reflect God’s holiness in a dark world. For one day, every knee will bow before the Lord who hates sin and loves righteousness. On that day, may we be found in Christ, clothed in His righteousness, and walking in His ways.

Reflection Questions

1. Why does God call these seven sins an “abomination”?

2. How does pride show itself in everyday life, and how can humility guard against it?

3. Why is lying so destructive, and how can Christians be people of truth?

4. What does it mean that even anger and hatred are forms of murder in God’s eyes?

5. How do our thoughts shape our actions, and how can we guard our thought life?

6. In what ways might sowing discord appear in prison life, and how can believers promote unity instead?

7. How does the cross of Christ reveal both God’s hatred of sin and His love for sinners?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
 We bow before You, acknowledging Your holiness and Your perfect hatred of sin. We confess that too often we have taken sin lightly, excusing what You call an abomination. Forgive us, Lord, and cleanse us by the blood of Jesus Christ.

We pray especially for those in prison today. Many know firsthand the cost of sin and the pain it brings. Father, pour out Your mercy upon them. Break the chains of pride, lies, anger, violence, and discord. Fill their hearts with humility, truth, peace, and love.

Lord Jesus, You shed Your innocent blood so that guilty sinners could be forgiven. May every prisoner who reads these words find hope in You. Transform their hearts, renew their minds, and guide their steps in paths of righteousness.

Holy Spirit, give them strength to resist temptation, courage to stand for truth, and wisdom to pursue peace with all men. May prison cells become places of revival, and may men and women behind bars shine as lights of grace in the darkest places.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, who hated sin but loves sinners, and who offers eternal life to all who believe. Amen.

From: Fight the Good Fight of Faith / Life Journal: by Gregg Harris