The first time I ran across this in the Bible, I was flabbergasted.
Up to this point in my life, I had heard that God was love, God was forgiving, and God was full of mercy and grace. He wanted a relationship with me, and the only thing I knew in the negative column was that He couldn’t tolerate sin.
But I didn’t know He “hated” anything or anyone.
Then, I came across this section in Proverbs 6 and immediately sat up straighter, eyes open wider, and ears open to hearing exactly what it is He hates.
So, the 6 things the Lord hates, yes 7 are an abomination (what does that mean?!):
- God hates–arrogant eyes
- God hates–a tongue that lies
- God hates–hands that murder the innocent
- God hates–a heart that hatches evil plots
- God hates–feet that race down a wicked path
- God hates–a mouth that lies under oath
- God hates–one who sows discord among brothers
You realize how much God hates lying. Mentioned twice in the list of seven.
The Teacher could have listed any number of other things, but He didn’t. He didn’t fully use the 10 commandments. He didn’t use a list of 12, 25, or 100. He kept it simple, memorable, and mentioned lying twice.
That last item on the list, the translations and synonyms are worth paying attention to.
- Some say, “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
- Some say, “one who sows discord among friends.”
- Some say, “a troublemaker in the family.”
They are close, but the variation keeps it interesting.
Stirring, sowing, making || conflict, discord, trouble || amongst the community, friends, and family.
That’s enough for one sitting.
Omer Redden 