“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.” – Proverbs 6:16-19
Things that God Dislikes
As followers of Christ, we understand that engaging with God’s teachings is essential in shaping our character. The Bible openly discusses various actions and attitudes that God dislikes. It is not just about avoiding these behaviors but recognizing their impact on our relationship with Him and our community. God is deeply concerned with the state of our hearts and how we interact with others. When we delve into the things God hates, we are invited to reflect on our own lives and seek transformation toward righteousness. We can develop a deeper understanding of what pleases God and how we can model our actions on love and truth.
Proverbs 6:16
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:” – Proverbs 6:16
Proverbs 6:17
“haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,” – Proverbs 6:17
Proverbs 6:18
“a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,” – Proverbs 6:18
Proverbs 6:19
“a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” – Proverbs 6:19
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4
Deception and Lies
Deception is something God explicitly hates. Throughout the scriptures, we see that lies can lead to destruction and personal harm. As communities of believers, we know that honesty and integrity are cornerstones of our faith. We are called not just to avoid lying but to embrace a lifestyle filled with truth. God has a significant place in his heart for truth because it fosters trust and reliability among us. When we reflect on the importance of integrity, we see that it isn’t merely about our words but also our actions. By being truthful, we promote a spirit of unity and love among God’s children.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.” – Proverbs 12:22
John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44
Proverbs 21:6
“A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.” – Proverbs 21:6
Psalm 101:7
“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.” – Psalm 101:7
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8
Violence and Bloodshed
God abhors acts of violence and bloodshed. We, as believers, are challenged to be vessels of peace and ensure our actions align with love and goodwill. Violence creates a cycle of pain that harms both the victim and the perpetrator. God consistently calls us to pursue a path marked by compassion and forgiveness. Our experiences in life, shaped by love and understanding, can transform our surroundings. God desires that we seek reconciliation rather than conflict. By embodying the principles of peace, we honor God’s love and call, allowing His light to shine through us.
Genesis 6:11
“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence.” – Genesis 6:11
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways.” – Proverbs 3:31
Isaiah 59:3
“For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken falsely and your tongue mutters wicked things.” – Isaiah 59:3
Psalm 5:6
“You destroy those who tell lies; the bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest.” – Psalm 5:6
Jeremiah 22:17
“But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood and on oppression and extortion.” – Jeremiah 22:17
Choices and Actions
God cares deeply about the choices and actions we make. Every day, we encounter situations that test our character, and our decisions can glorify or disappoint God. He emphasizes living intentionally and being mindful of our choices while understanding their lasting effects. By seeking God and His wisdom before making decisions, we align ourselves with His will and move toward a life that honors Him. It’s important for us to recognize that our choices not only impact us but also influence those around us. Thus, living a life of intentionality helps foster a loving and supportive community.
Proverbs 15:9
“The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.” – Proverbs 15:9
Matthew 7:13
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” – Matthew 7:13
Romans 1:28
“Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.” – Romans 1:28
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
1 Peter 3:12
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” – 1 Peter 3:12
Strife and Conflict
Reflecting on our relationship with God, we see the importance of striving for peace and harmony. God clearly dislikes those who stir up conflict, urging us to promote unity and understanding. In our daily lives, we encounter differing opinions, but it is crucial to navigate these moments with grace and love. Striving for peace requires effort, especially when tension exists. By choosing to reconcile instead of arguing, we manifest the love God desires for us and our communities. Together, we can encourage one another to become peacemakers, fostering an atmosphere filled with God’s love and guidance.
Proverbs 6:19
“A person who stirs up conflict in the community.” – Proverbs 6:19
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” – Proverbs 17:14
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Pride and Arrogance
Pride leads us away from God and can distort our hearts and minds. The Bible teaches us the significance of humility and recognizing that everything we possess is a gift from God. The moment we let arrogance take root, we distance ourselves from the very essence of God’s love. Our collective call is to keep pride in check, continually recognizing that our worth comes from Him alone. By cultivating an attitude of humility, we become more compassionate and empathetic, enabling us to serve others selflessly. A humble heart invites God’s presence and serves as an example of His character through us.
Proverbs 6:17
“The Lord detests haughty eyes.” – Proverbs 6:17
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
Isaiah 2:12
“The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled).” – Isaiah 2:12
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'” – James 4:6
Idolatry and False Worship
Idolatry stands opposed to God’s nature, as it diverts our hearts from the true source of life. Whether it’s in the form of possessions, relationships, or status, we must be cautious not to place anything above God. Our worship belongs to Him alone, and He seeks our devotion wholeheartedly. When we allow anything to take His rightful place, we risk losing our connection with Him. By surrendering our worldly distractions and focusing on God, we can enjoy the true fulfillment that only He offers. Together, let us encourage one another to prioritize our relationship with God, ensuring it remains steadfast and strong.
Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3
1 John 5:21
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” – 1 John 5:21
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5
Deuteronomy 4:24
“For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” – Deuteronomy 4:24
Isaiah 44:9
“All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless.” – Isaiah 44:9
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on what God hates, we recognize that our faith invites us to embrace a life of love, truth, and humility. God desires our hearts to align with His teachings, prompting us to turn away from deception, violence, pride, and idolatry. By focusing on these areas, we can avoid the pitfalls that jeopardize our relationship with God and others. Seeking to promote peace and honor God will transform our lives and communities.
Let’s challenge ourselves to embody the values of honesty, humility, and reconciliation. In doing so, we will inspire ourselves and those around us to seek a closer connection with God. Together, let us stand united in our pursuit of righteousness.
If you’re eager to explore more wisdom, consider checking out topics such as the danger of sin and the curse of sin. There’s always more to discover as we grow in our faith.