In Proverbs 6:16-19, the Lord expresses His detestation for certain actions and attitudes. These seven traits are haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Each of these represents a departure from the virtues that God values, such as humility, honesty, righteousness, and peace. Let us explore the meaning behind these detestable actions and the contrasting qualities that God cherishes.
Proverbs 6:16-19:
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Haughty Eyes
The Destructive Power of Arrogance
Hebrew: Ayinayim Ramot: This refers to a proud and arrogant gaze, symbolizing a sense of superiority and disdain for others. It represents a lack of humility and an inflated self-image.
Haughty eyes, filled with superiority. An air of arrogance, looking down upon others with disdain. A reflection of deep-rooted pride, blinding us to our shared humanity.
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” –Luke 18:14
Lying Tongue
Spreading Falsehood and Deceit
Hebrew: Lashon sheker: This signifies the act of spreading falsehood and deceit through speech. It reflects a lack of integrity and honesty, leading to the erosion of trust in relationships.
A lying tongue refers to deceitful and dishonest speech, intentionally spreading falsehoods and manipulating others. It is the opposite of honest and trustworthy communication.
Your words hold enormous power and carry weighty consequences. Every word we utter will ultimately be judged by God.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21
The Hands That Shed Innocent Blood
Violence and Oppression: The Tragic Consequences of Shedding Innocent Blood
Hebrew: Yadayim Shofekhot Dam Naki: The act of causing harm or taking the life of an innocent person. It represents violence, oppression, and a disregard for the sanctity of life.
The act of shedding innocent blood represents a profound violation of the divine order, where human authority was never meant to have dominion over one another. Life is a sacred gift bestowed by the Creator, who imbues each individual with intrinsic worth.
Prematurely ending a life, especially one defenseless, usurps the prerogative of God and goes against the fundamental philosophy of respecting the sanctity of life
“Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent — the Lord detests them both.” -Proverbs 17:15
Heart Devising Wicked Schemes
The Corrupt Intentions of the Mind
Hebrew: Lev Yozev Machashavot Ra’ot: This signifies a mind that constantly plans and devises evil actions, reflecting a corrupt and malicious intent. It represents a lack of moral conscience and a willingness to harm others.
The concept of a heart devising wicked schemes refers to the inner intentions and thoughts of an individual inclined towards planning and executing malicious actions. It represents a mindset focused on developing and carrying out harmful or immoral plans.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” -Jeremiah 17:9
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” – Matthew 15:19
Feet Quick To Rush To Evil
Unveiling Impulsive Sinful Behavior
Hebrew: Raglayim Mahirot l’dalchet Ba’ra: This refers to a person who eagerly and willingly engages in sinful activities. It represents a lack of self-control and a tendency to pursue immoral and destructive paths.
A “quick to rush to evil” refers to someone who eagerly engages in wicked or harmful actions without considering the consequences or ethical judgment. It signifies a hasty and impulsive nature and goes against God’s teachings, as He expects us to distance ourselves from evil.
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” – Proverbs 4:14-15
A False Witness Who Speaks Lies
Embracing God’s Valued Virtues and Rejecting Detestable Actions
Hebrew: Ed sheker mashqeh Kesef: This signifies someone who gives false testimony or spreads lies about others. It represents a betrayal of trust, causing harm and injustice through deceitful words.
A false witness deliberately provides false testimony, distorting the truth for personal gain or manipulation. Their words lack credibility and integrity, as they are built upon lies and dishonesty. This concept also extends to the failure to align with divine truth in making truthful confessions.
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:16
A Person Who Stirs Conflict
Embracing God’s Valued Virtues and Rejecting Detestable Actions
Hebrew: Ish medinim mazor: Someone who actively provokes strife, discord, and division within a community or society. It refers to an individual who intentionally fosters disagreement, animosity, and disharmony among people, sowing seeds of conflict wherever they go.
Medinim signifies strife or disputes.
Mazor conveys the idea of stirring or causing trouble.
A person who stirs conflict is someone who intentionally creates tension and disagreements among others. They enjoy causing problems and try to control and provoke arguments. This behavior disrupts peace and can harm relationships within a group or community.
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1
IN THIS- IT SHOWS WHAT GOD CHERISHES
Humility/modesty of eyes –
Not being prideful or arrogant, giving honor to others.
He takes great joy in those whose eyes see with clarity unburdened by arrogance or self-importance. In humility we find truth – truth in who God made us to be, and truth in how we ought relate to one another.
A truthful tongue – Speaking truthfully and honestly.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” – Ephesians 4:25
God finds delight in those who speak with integrity, sincerity, and righteousness. Honest words are like refreshing water for the soul, fostering understanding and trust among individuals.
Hands that protect the innocent –
Protecting the vulnerable from harm.
“Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:3-4
A heart that devises righteous plans –
Crafting plans and intentions focused on goodness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Feet that are quick to do good –
Eagerly running toward righteousness.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
A truthful witness –
Bearing honest testimony and avoiding falsehoods.
“A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.” – Proverbs 14:5
A peacemaker –
Bringing people together in harmony rather than creating conflict.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
In conclusion, Proverbs 6:16-19 reveals the detestable actions and attitudes that the Lord hates, which contrast with the virtues that God cherishes.
These actions include haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
On the other hand, God values humility, truthfulness, protecting the innocent, righteous plans, eagerness to do good, truthful testimony, and being a peacemaker. These qualities reflect a heart that pleases God and embodies integrity, justice, and compassion.
As we seek to align our lives with God’s values, let us strive to reject arrogance, deceit, violence, wickedness, impulsive sinful behavior, dishonesty, and causing conflicts.
Instead, let us cultivate humility, truth, compassion, righteousness, eagerness to do good, honesty, and a spirit of peace. By embracing these virtues, we can honor and please God, and contribute to a harmonious and loving community.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
