Proverbs 6:16-17 (ESV)
16 There are six things that the LORD hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
The numbers six and seven are specific yet not intended to be exhaustive. This poetic pattern aids memorization and heightens anticipation, preparing the reader for the final item to land with emphasis. The focus is on attitudes and actions that place a person in opposition to God.
Because God is holy, he does not overlook unrighteousness. Seven sins are named that he hates, that are an abomination to him. The Hebrew word translated “abomination” is toevah. It speaks of what is detestable and morally perverse, something that rightly provokes revulsion rather than indifference. This is weighty language. God is wholly separate from such things and firmly opposed to them. Those who persist in them show themselves to be at odds with him and, apart from repentance, will remain separated from him eternally.
The first of the seven is “haughty eyes.” A body part is mentioned, but the true issue is the heart. Haughty eyes describe the proud person who views herself as superior to others and even above God. She looks down on people and resists rightful authority. Pride blinds her to her own sin. The proud stand in opposition to the Lord, and he opposes the proud. Worse still, pride keeps her from recognizing her guilt and turning in repentance. Spiritually, she is in a very dangerous place.
The second and third are “a lying tongue” and “hands that shed innocent blood,” again naming body parts to expose the actions they commit. The lying tongue expresses itself through false speech. God does not approve of those who communicate untruth. Lies often involve others and are told to protect self or promote self. Deceit twists reality for personal gain. The God of truth hates such distortion. “Hands that shed innocent blood” moves from speech to violent action. This is murder, the willingness to take a life in pursuit of one’s own desires. While Scripture makes careful distinctions regarding self defense, just war, and capital punishment under rightful authority, there is never justification for shedding innocent blood. God hates it.
Search your heart. Do you view yourself as above others. Do you subtly deceive by including or omitting details to create a false impression. Do you use people to advance your own agenda. If any of these patterns mark your life, turn from them. Ask God to cleanse you through Christ and to cultivate humility, truthfulness, and genuine love in you today.