Text: Proverbs 6:16-19
The book of Proverbs contains wisdom to guide us in this life. It shows us the way that is right and warns us about the way that is wrong. In our text, the wise man warned about things which the Lord hates. We should heed this warning.
What the Lord Hates
- Haughty eyes (v. 17) – pride always leads to sin (Proverbs 16:18; 21:4); causes one to seek to elevate self (Proverbs 27:2; 1 Corinthians 4:6); blinds one to his own sins (Proverbs 20:9; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8)
- A lying tongue (v. 17) – contrary to the nature of God (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18); only provides a temporary “benefit” (Proverbs 12:19; 19:22)
- Hands that shed innocent blood (v. 17) – it is one thing to seek vengeance when we ought to be willing to forgive (Matthew 5:38-39; Romans 12:19-21); this is more than that; this is hatred for others for no cause (Proverbs 29:10)
- A heart that devises wicked plans (v. 18) – our heart reflects our character (Proverbs 27:19; 4:23); God knows our heart (Proverbs 21:2) and is able to judge our thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12)
- Feet that run rapidly to evil (v. 18) – wrong direction toward evil, indicating a disregard for the law of God (1 John 3:4; Romans 6:12-13, 16); carelessness (runs rapidly), indicating an inability to exercise self-control (Proverbs 14:16-17)
- A false witness (v. 19) – similar to “a lying tongue” (v. 17) because both are dishonest; the first was dishonest about self, this is about others; using words to destroy others (Proverbs 11:9); there is a just condemnation for those who slander others (Romans 3:8)
- One who spreads strife (v. 19) – the first six result in “discord” (KJV); causes division among God’s people (Jude 18-19; Galatians 5:20); contrary to His will for His people (John 17:20-21)
What We Should Be Instead
- Be humble (Proverbs 16:19) – before God (Micah 6:8; 1 Peter 5:6) and before men (1 Peter 5:5; Philippians 2:3)
- Be honest (Proverbs 16:13) – have the attitude of God in hating what is false (Proverbs 13:5; Psalm 119:104)
- Be merciful (Proverbs 19:11) – not a tolerance of sin; extending mercy as God has for us (Matthew 5:7; 6:14-15)
- Be pure in heart (Proverbs 11:23) – must diligently guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23; Psalm 119:11)
- Be seeking to do good (Proverbs 14:16) – be careful (exercise thought – Strong’s) to do good (Titus 3:8; cf. Galatians 6:10)
- Be just (Proverbs 23:10-11) – do not show partiality in dealing with others (James 2:1, 9)
- Be one who seeks peace (Proverbs 20:3) – be diligent to preserve unity (Ephesians 4:3); be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)
Conclusion
- Rather than doing those things which the Lord hates, let us be what He wants us to be – humble, honest, merciful, pure in heart, seeking to do good, just, seeking peace
- Doing what the Lord hates will bring destruction (Proverbs 6:12-15; 16:25)
- Following what the Lord has instructed will result in His blessings (Proverbs 16:20; 10:16-17)
