Is God only about love and mercy? Does He hate anything?
It’s common to think that God is only loving because He is love (1 John 4:8). However, the Bible also tells us there are some things that God hates.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord hates and calls them “an abomination”.
Let’s dive into what they are and why a holy God despises them.
What Does “Abomination” Mean?
First, what does “abomination” mean? The Hebrew word used in Proverbs 6:16 translated as “abomination” is tow`ebah.
It means something disgusting, loathed, or hated.
So these 7 things aren’t just trivial pet peeves; they are truly despicable to God. He wants us to understand how repulsive they are to His holy nature.
Now let’s look at each one…
1. Haughty Eyes – God Hates A Proud Look
“Haughty eyes” – Proverbs 6:17 (ESV)
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Haughty means arrogantly superior, looking down on others with disdain. It is proud and lofty eyes.
God hates pride and arrogance. Haughty eyes reveal a heart lifted, which God says He will bring down:
“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” – Proverbs 16:5 (ESV)
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Haughty eyes arrogantly exalt self rather than humbly exalt God.
2. God Hates A Lying Tongue
“A lying tongue” – Proverbs 6:17 (ESV)
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God hates dishonesty, deceit, lack of integrity, and falsehood. God is truth (John 14:6), so He understandably hates lies and deception.
All lies come from the devil, the father of lies (John 8:44). As a Christian, always speak the truth:
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” – Ephesians 4:25 (ESV)
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Lies destroy trust and relationships. God wants us to be people of integrity who speak the truth.
3. God Hates Hands that Shed Innocent Blood
“Hands that shed innocent blood” – Proverbs 6:17 (ESV)
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God hates murder and this goes even further. He hates anger and rage in your heart towards others:
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” – 1 John 3:15 (ESV)
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Unjust anger is like murder in God’s eyes.
He has commanded us to be slow to anger (James 1:19) and to forgive others as He forgave us (Colossians 3:13).
4. God Hates A Heart that Devises Wicked Plans
“A heart that devises wicked plans” – Proverbs 6:18 (ESV)
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God hates those who scheme and plot evil, those who carefully plan out sin, usually for selfish gain or ambition, money, power, status, etc.
God hates when people dream up treacherous schemes, especially when motivated by greed.
Let’s ask God to purify our hearts of any secret sinful agendas.
5. God Hates Feet That Are Quick to Rush to Evil
“Feet that make haste to run to evil” – Proverbs 6:18 (ESV)
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When feet quickly run to evil, it means a person is enthusiastically and wholeheartedly pursuing sin. They indulge in wickedness without hesitation or remorse.
This is the opposite of how we are called to live.
The Bible instructs us to flee from evil (1 Corinthians 6:18) and run from temptation (2 Timothy 2:22).
God wants us to hate evil just as much as He does.
6. God Hates A False Witness Who Lies
“A false witness who breathes out lies” – Proverbs 6:19 (ESV)
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God hates people who spread lies that damage someone’s reputation. Gossip, slander, and character assassination are examples of this.
Tearing others down with falsehoods is detestable to God, who wants us to speak truth in love and build others up (Ephesians 4:15).
7. God Hates One who Sows Discord Among Brothers
“One who sows discord among brothers” – Proverbs 6:19 (ESV)
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Finally, the seventh thing God hates is someone who deliberately spreads strife and divides friends. This destroys relationships and stirs up trouble.
God highly values unity among believers. Jesus prayed that we would be one just as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-23).
Sowing discord opposes His heart.
Why Does God Hate These Things?
God has righteous hatred towards sinful behavior that destroys lives and dishonors His name. He cannot tolerate anything opposed to His holy nature.
All of these 7 things have a common thread – they harm others, thrive on deception, and spread corruption. They all deeply grieve God’s heart.
As you examine your heart, ask God to show you the areas you need to repent of.
Do you struggle with pride, lies, anger, evil motives, running toward sin, gossip, or division?
By God’s grace, may He refine you to love what He loves and hate what He hates. As you do, you’ll be a shining light in a dark world (Philippians 2:14-15).
Key Takeaways on 7 Things God Hates
- God is love. However, the Bible says that there are 7 things God hates that are “abominations” to Him.
- These include haughty eyes, lying tongues, murderous hands, wicked hearts, feet quick to run to do evil, false witnesses, and those who sow discord.
- God hates these because they oppose His righteous, holy nature and harm others.
- Examine your heart and ask God to rid you of anything on this list.
- As you grow to love what God loves and hate what He hates, you will shine His light brighter in a dark world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Doesn’t God love everyone unconditionally?
A. Yes, God loves all people unconditionally (John 3:16). His love offers salvation to all who repent and believe.
However, God hates all sinful behavior that’s against His nature. But in His mercy, He forgives all who turn to Him.
Q. What about “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1)? Doesn’t God say not to hate?
A. We are not to judge hypocritically. God expects us to lovingly speak truth and discern right from wrong based on the Bible.
We should not condemn people but identify sinful behavior and pray for these people.
Q. Isn’t it unhealthy to hate these things? Shouldn’t we be more positive?
A. Sin is destructive and leads to death and hell. God wants us to passionately oppose evil just like He does.
We must speak the truth in love, full of grace and mercy. Healthy hatred of sin fuels loving obedience to God.
Q. What if I struggle with some of these things like pride or anger? Is all hope lost?
A. Not at all! The good news of the gospel is that Jesus died to completely save and forgive sinners like you and me.
If you repent and believe, God will forgive and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). He will give you a fresh start.
Q. What should I do if I see these sins in other Christians?
A. Gently confront them in love. But also examine your own heart first (Matthew 7:5). Avoid self-righteousness.
Remember how patient God is with you, and treat others the same way. Pray that God will mature you in holiness and unity.
